Calendar cut would increase value of F1, according to Abiteboul

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul thinks the sport would benefit from a cut in the calendar.

Abiteboul believes that Formula One would benefit from an "aggressive" cut in how many races there are a season to as few as 15 races.

The calendar matched its all-time high this season with 21 grands prix - including that triple-header that we've just witnessed.

Rumours have circulated that F1 are looking for another one or two races to bring the tally up to 22/23 races a season - with new races being talked about in the United States and Asia.

"We need to be able to engage with fans but it has to remain something special," Renault's boss told Autosport.

"We are already way above what should be the figure for something special.

"We need to convey a message of pride, of motivation, of energy. With the calendar that we have now, the enthusiasm is not the same as when we were only traveling 15 times per year.

"If we don't have that energy, it's going to be very difficult to convey that externally.

"It is almost becoming routine. It should not be a day-to-day job. We've tipped that balance, so we need to be extremely careful."

Abiteboul believes that "between 15 and 18" races would be perfect and have a positive impact on the value.

"If you were to go very aggressive and say 15 races, you have to tell the 21 races you have right now, 'Look guys there are going to be six of you that will be dropped: compete'," he added.