Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has taken exception to the governing body’s decision to move to a record 23 races in 2022.
The Aston Martin driver has pointed out the potential impact of the increase from 22 grands prix to 23 on fans and staff, while adding “life doesn’t belong to the employer”.
Vettel has made his views clear after Formula 1 unveiled the 2022 calendar last week, with the world championship set to begin in Bahrain on March 20 and conclude in Abu Dhabi on November 20.
“This is only my opinion, and it’s not worth anything, but I think we should not have that many races,” Vettel said.
“I think (for) one, maybe it’s too many races for the people to watch. It’s not special anymore if there’s that many.
“And (secondly), I feel for (the staff). Us drivers – we are at the good side of things: we can arrive on a Wednesday night and leave if we find a flight, etcetera, on a Sunday night.
“But the team already has a lot more stress. They arrived Monday or Saturday the week before, they build the garage, prepare the cars and then also they have to run the full week and then pack down, send everything back and prepare back in the factory.
“For them, it’s a job that you’re busy all weekdays and nearly every weekend, so you have no time for yourself. And I think we are in a time where people are growing more and more conscious that they have a life, too, and that the life doesn’t belong to the employer.”
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The 2022 world championship will run over a shorter span of time despite the increase in races.
Formula 1 has committed to the earliest finish to a season since 2010 to avoid a crossover with the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The crammed schedule has also forced Formula 1 to increase the despised triple headers from two to three.
“I’m not in charge and obviously there’s some other interests, but it’s just making sure that people have a balance between their life at home and the time spent away,” Vettel said.
“I think it should be a number of races that is sustainable for keeping your passion for many years and not being, you know, sucked out after two or three years.”
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