With the Formula 1 season running from March until November, there is a limited number of weekends available to schedule races and rest weeks.
The sport is continuing to grow year after year and with this growth comes the expansion of the F1 calendar to match the demands from the growing fanbase.
Even after the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix due to COVID, there will be a record high of 23 races making up the 2023 season, leading to fears that the drivers could be overworked.
Head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association Alex Wurz has admitted that there has been concern about potentially burning out the drivers, claiming that there is a fine line between matching the demands of the sport’s growth and not overworking the drivers.
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“Of course we have to ensure that the acting individuals are not burned out by too many races over the years, something the drivers are considering as a concern. As well as the concern that the audience accept more races,” he told PlanetF1.com.
“But I see no danger to the sport if the business interest sets the direction for long term sustainable models, which is what I see Liberty [Media] doing with the right balance.
“Certainly we know that what sells F1 is the tracks and the product is the drivers themselves. So there is a factor to ensure they are razor sharp and remain excited to do as many races at every race and every interview, which is a fact we have and will debate ongoingly with F1 stakeholders.”
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It was initially rumoured that the Chinese Grand Prix would be replaced rather than removed, with Portimao being touted as the favoured venue.
With a record number of races, the 2023 season promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with teams now also having had a year to adapt to the major regulation changes that came into effect last year.
Red Bull comfortably won both championships last year, however Mercedes and Ferrari are both reportedly confident of pushing the energy drink giants all the way this season, having learned from the mistakes that cost them so dearly in 2022.