Dennis’s calls for the well-being of F1…

The team principal of McLaren, Ron Dennis, welcomes Formula 1’s expansion abroad, which will strengthen even further over the next decade. However, according to him, the official calendar should not contain more than 20 races per season.

In his speech at the Motor Sport Business Forum in Bahrain, Dennis applauded the fact that F1 was opening up to new markets such as Russia, India, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. He added that it was essential for potential new Grand Prix to remain within their natural logistical limits.

« I congratulate myself on this expansion, and thank Bernie Ecclestone for having initiated this major project, » he declared.

« But I have two reservations: First of all, I wish that the season does not contain more than 20 Grand Prix because I consider this number of races as a natural limit from a logistical point of view. Secondly, that we preserve the off-season not for Grand Prix but for what we are currently doing, namely testing. »

« These few months of absence are necessary not only for logistical reasons but also to generate enthusiasm among fans when the championship resumes in March. »

Dennis finally explained that the traditional winter break in F1 plays an extremely important role in setting up a new season and that the media coverage resulting from it is crucial for the well-being of the sport.

« The most beautiful rumors always start in the winter, and this results in leaving the fans in suspense, » concluded Dennis.