Sergio Perez, the Mexican driver for Red Bull Racing, has expressed his worries about the increasing number of races in Formula 1. He believes that the planned 24 rounds for this year are “excessive.” In addition to the already record-breaking 22-race calendar in 2023, the Chinese Grand Prix and the Emilia Romagna GP in Imola have been added, making it even more demanding. The expansion of the calendar is driven by the series’ financial and commercial growth, with various regions wanting to take advantage of it. However, Perez is concerned about the impact on the health of drivers, engineers, and everyone involved in the F1 paddock. During the launch of the Red Bull RB20 in Milton Keynes, he emphasized the importance of managing energy levels and staying as fresh and fit as possible throughout the year. He believes that 20 races would be ideal, focusing on maintaining quality rather than quantity. Perez had previously expressed this viewpoint before the season finale in Abu Dhabi last year, where paddock fatigue was a major topic of discussion. After a 22-race season, Perez acknowledged the intensity and the toll it took on everyone, particularly the mechanics. He emphasized the need for a more efficient schedule that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals involved in the sport. Perez believes that maintaining a high level of quality is crucial for the sport’s growth and success. He expressed his concern about the exhaustion he witnessed among people in the paddock and stressed the importance of taking this issue seriously.
According to the Source motorsportweek.com