Prost warns of waning interest with too many races

With 22 races in 2021, it was an intense and busy season. It should also be noted that two consecutive races were held in Austria, which meant that the teams did not have to travel, and for 2022 a record number of 23 Grands Prix are planned.

Concerns

Unlike this year, all races will be held at different circuits. Moreover, Formula 1 returns - at least if the corona pandemic allows it - to circuits in Canada, Singapore, Japan and Australia. Drivers and teams have to fly through many different time zones, and is a concern for many people's physical health.

Alain Prost is worried about the sheer number of races on the calendar. In the podcast 'The Fast Lane', the Alpine advisor indicates that a battle of attrition awaits for the staff and, also for the fans as so many races is not ideal. "[F1] also has to remain exceptional, 23 races is a lot. I remember, maybe not this year, but the first time we had three races in a row, even for me, I lost interest a little bit. There was too often a race."

Good balance

An important reason to hold 23 races is undoubtedly a commercial one: more Grands Prix means more income from sponsorships and fees from organisers. Prost says there has to be a good balance between the number of races, how often fans want to watch and how much money you can generate. "If you have more success and bring in more sponsors, maybe we can have some fewer races. It seems that this is not the way it goes."