Alonso would prefer fewer races

Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso would support the F1 calendar being shortened by a race or two, giving everyone more time to recharge.

Last season the Ferrari driver found himself in an intense battle that raged from Australia to Brazil where he eventually lost the title by a mere three points.

It was a 20-race season that took a lot out of the drivers and everyone involved in the teams.

This year the calendar is down to 19 races after New Jersey failed to fill its slot, however, Alonso reckons even one race less would be good.

"Last year we had the last grand prix at the end of November and almost right up to Christmas, there were events I had to take part in," said the double World Champ.

"There's almost only the end of year holiday when one can have a break and I'll try to fit in a few more days between now and Melbourne to recharge my batteries.

"Twenty races is a lot and it's not easy to maintain a maximum performance level, both physical and mental, for the whole year.

"Maybe it would be better to have one or two fewer races and a few more test sessions."