Ecclestone denounces long calendar: 'Would stick to 18 prestigious races'

Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has commented on the state of affairs in the king class of motorsport in his own typical way.

In an interview with the British newspaper Daily Mail, Ecclestone reveals that he is unhappy with the long calendar, this year with 22 races. He thinks too many races undermine Formula 1's prestige: "I can understand the commercial people [of Liberty Media] because they can say they are signing long-time agreements and that apparently makes the company they work for a lot more money."

However, according to the Briton, it is uncertain whether these long contracts with new circuits will actually be fulfilled. "But without any shadow of a doubt I would stick to 18 prestigious races. That’s because we don’t know, however long-term the contracts are on paper. We don’t know whether they will suddenly decide that it isn’t working too well and stop."

Singapore and divorces

Interestingly, Ecclestone then points to the Singapore Grand Prix. According to him, the organizers of that race wanted to quit, and reportedly called him personally for advice. Ecclestone: "Singapore were about to stop. They phoned me and asked me what I thought. I said they should see how it all works out but don’t stop now."

Ecclestone also thinks the racing schedule puts too much pressure on the teams, especially the staff. Bernie, himself a man with a troubled love life, even explicitly warns against divorces: "My opinion is that 18 races is enough. We did 20 and I often thought that that was a bit too much. Because you have to think of the teams. Before long, they will have to employ double staff. With 22 or 23 races there will be too many divorces. It is a matter of when."