Fierce criticism of FIA: 'Next year's 23 races are not normal'

The Formula 1 calendar is getting fuller every year. The current season has 22 races, next year there will even be an extra Grand Prix. According to Emerson Fittipaldi, the sport is taking a big risk, he told Motorsport.com.

The criticism towards the FIA about the overcrowded racing schedule has been heard for some time now. The organisation is making the racing seasons longer and longer. Although that is positive for the Formula 1 fan, it has a negative effect on the drivers and the teams.

"It's a very important issue, because you can imagine how many trips they have to make to different countries around the world," Fittipaldi states. "On top of that, they have jetlags and have to deal with distance from family. It's a difficult life, not only for the drivers, but also for the mechanics and the whole team."

Overcrowded racing calendar creates high risk

The former driver is therefore hoping for change. "If you consider during the season how many days they stay at home and how many they travel, it's a lot. In our time we had fourteen, fifteen GPs, but also a lot of testing between races. That meant more travel. Nowadays it's not much, but they go to the simulator and have physical training, plus commitments between weekends. I don't know how they manage with 22 GPs. And next year's 23 races are not normal."