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FIA president says F1 will "cross a barrier" if more Grands Prix are added
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says that Formula 1 will "cross a barrier" if more Grands Prix are added to an already huge calendar. The 2024 season has the biggest race calendar that the sport has ever seen, but according to the Concorde Agreement, there is still room for one more race per season.
Many different countries that don't already have a Grand Prix want to throw their hat into the ring. South Africa has been a country that wants to host one after previously doing so, and the emergence of Franco Colapinto has resulted in Argentina wanting to host a race weekend in the future.
With an economic boost coming to any country that entertains a Grand Prix weekend, it is no surprise that many countries show their interest for hosting a race. However, with 24 races already on the calendar, an increase may be too much to handle for teams and drivers.
FIA cannot handle more Grands Prix per season
According to Ben Sulayem, 24 races per season is the maximum for the FIA to handle, saying that two teams from the governing body should be formed to attend the Grands Prix if there are any more races added.
"You cross a barrier where you need two teams. We can't have any [more]," the FIA president told Autosport. “As for the FIA, we cannot do it with this one team. We have to have a rotation of two teams when it comes to the staff on the ground.”
Ultimately, the choice of calendar lies with Formula One management. "I mean, I will not stop [them] to go to 25, because it is their right, OK? [In the end] it's up to them," continued Ben Sulayem. Stefano Domenicali, Formula One's CEO, has already expressed that he thinks 24 is also a good number for the amount of races in a season.
This article was created in collaboration with Sandy van Wijngaarden
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12 October 2024
