Whitmarsh: 20 races are enough

Martin Whitmarsh

McLaren

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh reckons the Formula One calendar should not go beyond 20 grands prix. Already this season there are 19 races on the calendar as the Canadian Grand Prix made its return while Korea will host its inaugural event later in the season.

Next year there could be as many as 20 races with India scheduled to join the F1 circus while the following season should see the return of the United States GP with Texas having been named as the new hosts.

"I think 20 races is a lot in my opinion," Whitmarsh said during a FOTA Fans' Forum earlier this week.

"I don't think we should go more than 20 races. Twenty races is three-day events at 60 days of the year and I don't think our product is one that you want greater exposure than that.

"There were a lot of people who said 18 was too many; a lot of people are now saying 20 is too many.

"I don't think we should grow certainly beyond 20."