Red Bull’s Sergio Perez has revealed he has no intention of staying in Formula 1 if the calendar continues to expand.
As the pinnacle of motorsport attempts to reach out to new and broader demographics, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted that it is possible that there may well end up being 30 races on the calendar one day.
The circus travels to Miami this year, before a return to Vegas next season means there will be three US races on the calendar.
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A return for the likes of South Africa and China could mean that there is no longer a place on the calendar for historic races such as Belgium or Monaco, and neither of these grand prix have a contract for 2023.
Perez emphasised that everyone in the paddock already spends a significant amount of time away from their loved ones while travelling the world, and suggests that he will walk away if the racing year becomes even more surfeited.
“It’s great that Formula 1 continues to develop and grow,” he told The Athletic.
“You can see it everywhere we go – people are starting to recognise you on the street more and more often.
“But if there are too many races, it will be bad. At least for me.
“Right now we are constantly immersed in work, because there are a lot of races. We simply don’t have enough time to spend time with our families.
“I personally have two children. I think if the calendar expands even more, I will definitely no longer compete in Formula 1.”
Red Bull boss Christian Horner maintains that the sport has “reached the saturation point” by having 23 races in 2022, while Carlos Sainz indicates that it would be a mistake for F1 to start abandoning its profound European roots such as Monaco, Belgium, Silverstone and Monza.
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“I’m a big fan of going to Miami and Las Vegas, but at the same time it would be a great loss not to have some classic European races anymore,” Sainz added.
Pierre Gasly denounced the possible axing of the race in Monte Carlo as a “shocker,” while compatriot Esteban Ocon affirmed that he “will do everything” to keep the French Grand Prix alive.