Horner: 'F1 comes up with the same trick every year'

Initially, the current Formula 1 season was supposed to include 24 races, although it was soon clear that the Grand Prix in China was not going to be held. After the cancellation in Imola, the season is likely to have 'only' 22 races. The overcrowded schedule is against the grain of many F1 promoters. Max Verstappen, for instance, previously indicated that the crowding could be a reason for him to give up his seat after 2028.

For his team boss, Christian Horner, too, he is getting fed up. "23 races is the top end" states the Englishman. "I mean, we are just about to go into a triple header off the back of a doubleheader," Horner reinforces his words. "We have just gone from Azerbaijan to Miami and then we come back and have three races in Europe. It is brutal, a travel schedule like that."

Games by F1

F1 seems to be playing games, in the eyes of Horner. "They play the same trick every year," says Horner. "Then Stefano Domenicali says: 'We can't lose Monaco and we can't lose Monza and Silverstone'," the Red Bull boss outlines the situation. "But then he says: 'You've heard of Las Vegas, right?' OK, we'll go to Vegas. 'But what about Miami then?' OK, we'll go to Miami too."

Still, Horner can explain:"They just keep coming up with great venues and great races, and it’s difficult to say no, but you do reach a point where you wonder where you get oversaturation."