Major concerns over F1 calendar: 'It's getting harder everywhere'

The Formula 1 season has 23 race weekends this season, with the Chinese Grand Prix possibly added to that. It makes for another busy year for the teams. According to Beat Zehnder, who is sporting director at Sauber, it is almost impossible for the formations to cope.

Speaking to Auto, Motor und Sport, Zehnder points out that while it is tough for the drivers to complete many races in a row, it is equally unbearable for the teams. Factory workers make full days, while logistics are also in trouble.

At the end of the season, for example, race weekends in Austin, Mexico and Sao Paulo are scheduled, which the director says causes problems. "We already saw that in 2021 when fog in Mexico disrupted the tight schedule," he recalls. "That's always a danger there. Also, Mexico is so expensive that you cannot load the planes completely. It's a logistical challenge."

Rising costs in GPs

In addition, he sees a clear trend in rising costs in Formula 1, which means teams have to deal with increased costs. "Let's take England as an example. There we pay 25 per cent more from year to year."

"It's getting harder everywhere. Austin is already fully booked for 2023. We tried to book 10 extra rooms in our hotel. No chance. Everything is already taken," said Zehnder, who hopes Formula 1 has reached the maximum number of races by now.