Russell shares F1 criticism with Novak Djokovic: 'Need a week to recover'

Several Formula 1 drivers have expressed concerns about the growing number of races on the calendar, especially the order in which some overseas Grands Prix take place. One driver that has voiced his opinion is George Russell after an interview with tennis legend Novak Djokovic.

Russell attended the Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament in Monaco, where he spoke to the Serbian and current world number one after his victory. The ATP Tour published footage of the conversation on Twitter, in which it can be heard that the Mercedes driver expressed concerns about the extensive F1 calendar.

Russell expresses concerns over F1 calendar

If the Chinese Grand Prix had not been cancelled, the race would have taken place on 16 April. That is two weeks after the Australian GP, which is not exactly close to the previous race in Saudi Arabia. After the Chinese GP, the teams and drivers would set sail for Europe again, with Baku being the first European race on the calendar.

Djokovic expresses surprise that the F1 drivers are anything but continent-bound and asks how long the drivers need to get used to it after the trip to Australia. "It probably takes about a week," says Russell, before stating there are 'a few conversations' going on about the subject. Those talks are being held with F1 boss Stefano Domenicali, who the 25-year-old Briton says is open to the drivers' opinions.

"I think collectively we have a really strong input. I think Stefano is incredibly open to hearing our views and having conversations. There has obviously been a lot of talk about how sustainable the calendar is," Russell continued, referring to the journey from the Middle East to America and then back to Europe.

However, he is confident there will be improvement in the coming years, and also already has an idea of what the calendar should look like. "I definitely think Australia needs to be back-to-back with a Middle Eastern race because I think almost all of us flew out here on Saturday or Sunday last week. All of the mechanics, and the engineers likewise. So you’re already losing those additional three or four days," Russell said.