While the calendar looks set to remain at 24 races, F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali insists that it is wrong to suggest that more events would be too much.

A number of drivers have criticised this year's record 24 race schedule, some claiming - like many fans - that quality is more important than quantity, while others point to the increasing pressure put on crew members, and others to the sheer overkill which they will lead to viewer fatigue.

And while Fernando Alonso has argued that the current schedule "is not sustainable for the future" and Max Verstappen that 24 races is "way over the limit", the F1 CEO disagrees.

"We want to leave it at 24 grands prix," insists Domenicali in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, "before adding that "it is wrong to say that 24 is too much".

"Too much of what?" he continues. "When the sport is as good as it is right now with many possible winners, fans are counting the days until the next race. I mean, we have a field that is closer together than ever before.

"Today we are talking about intervals of 0.078 or 0.093 seconds," he adds. "That's less than a tenth for a lap of more than four or five kilometres. Distances like we see in a 100 meter run.

"24 races is a good number. Each of our events has its own character. I mean, the Monaco Grand Prix was certainly not the most exciting grand prix in history, but we had one of the best TV ratings anywhere in the world," he argues, essentially claiming that 'Okay, the race was crap, but look how many people watched it!'

"I don't think 24 grands prix is an oversupply," he insists. "Look at other sports. Football and basketball are played every other day. They entertain their fans much more intensively. In terms of quantity, we have a lot less content to offer."

Indeed, "football and basketball are played every other day", but not the same leagues, not the same teams over and over again.

"We want to keep a good balance between old and new races," he says. "Although there are many more countries that want to have a grand prix," he adds, having previously claimed that India, South Korea and Thailand are keen to host races.

"We are thinking about a rotation system," he admits. "It is likely that we will start doing this in Europe."

Interestingly, his comments come at a time that Silverstone bosses have admitted that they have not yet sold all tickets for this year's race, which takes place next month.

While Max Verstappen's domination is cited as the possible reason, no mention is made of the eye-watering prices now being demanded, made all the worse by a pricing system that increases the cost depending on demand.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 21/06/2024 14:26

"@Celtic Tiger....I'm curious. Let's take this seasons races to examine..from your point of view. If 24 races are too many, what number would you be happy with? Then sort out which of the 24 you don't like and then simply drop those from your viewing program. You then have a tailored schedule to your liking and those races you enjoy least simply don't feature. I treat situtions like yours to the 'diet test'. You want to lose weight? Stop eating so much'. Works every time and you save money into the bargain. Too many F1 races....stop watching so many. Guaranteed to work."

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2. Posted by Celtic Tiger, 21/06/2024 0:54

"What a short sighted git. All this is, is brand dilution on their end. The reason cars like Ferrari have such value is because its production number is limited thus making them exclusive and more valued at resale. I don't think a Ferrari Enzo would auction for the prices it does if they had made 100,000 units rather than the 399 units that were built for sale. On the fan-side of it, there is a reason why people just take note of a Porsche driving down the road and literally be turning their head when a Ferrari comes driving pass.

F1 races should feel like a proper event, not part of your basic Sunday fry up.

At 24 races with a 3rd of them street venues plus the added sprints, I'm at a point where I'm not bothered if I happen to miss a race or two. I'm sure a lot of long time fans feel similar. Lets see how long clown-ar*e and his Liberty overlords can ignore reality while they gawk at their bank books. "

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3. Posted by JamesD, 20/06/2024 21:57

"Greed, greed, greed. Pure and simple. Quality over quantity Stefano but I guess that doesn't fill Liberty's coffers does it.

F1 teams staff deserve some down time."

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4. Posted by KKK, 20/06/2024 20:39

"It's enough to be bored 24 tines watching a procession. More overtaking on a Scalectrix set"

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5. Posted by jcr, 20/06/2024 17:18

"Typical Poacher turned Gamekeeper, Liberty must be paying him well to change his whole philosophy of the sport"

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Wrong to say 24 races is too much, insists Domenicali

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