Vettel would prefer F1 to return to 16-race seasons

Sebastian Vettel admits he would like to see the sport return to fewer races and counter the direction it is currently heading in.

On Thursday, the provisional calendar for the 2020 season was revealed, with a record-breaking 22 races featuring on the schedule. 

The past couple of years have seen 21 races per year, however next year Vietnam and The Netherlands joins the roster, while Germany is set to lose its spot. 

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Vettel says that 16 races is a good number, as it is what he witnessed when he was growing up and watching F1 as a fan. 

"I think as drivers, we are at the lucky end," Vettel said of the expansion. "It's more races, yes, but for the teams, it's quite a big stress, for the mechanics. 

"It's a big circus, lots of things need to be put up in advance, and for all of the guys it will be even tougher than it is already. 

"But I'm not running the sport and I guess they make money when there are more races, that's what's behind it.

"Personally, I would like to go back to 16 races. It's how I grew up and it's a good number. Maybe the drivers have the flexibility and freedom to do something else."

Liberty Media, the commercial rights holders of Formula 1, have often stated its intentions in bringing more races to the calendar in the coming years to further boost the yearly schedule. 

JuJuHound

Posts: 352

16th races, it's obvious, this awful season would end fast for Seb.

  • 1
  • Sep 3 2019 - 15:42

Replies (5)

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  • JuJuHound

    Posts: 352

    16th races, it's obvious, this awful season would end fast for Seb.

    • + 1
    • Sep 3 2019 - 15:42
  • 16 are too few. Maybe we have too many now, not sure, but 16 would be far too few.

    • + 0
    • Sep 3 2019 - 17:59
  • It sounds like Seb needs to retire soon. He just doesn't seem to have that champion's spirit anymore, and he sure does like to complain. I've even heard other drivers say he complains the most at the drivers' meetings.

    • + 0
    • Sep 3 2019 - 18:52
  • f1ski

    Posts: 726

    I think Seb can see it now how Leclerc is faster can be on the edge without making mistakes and is losing the fire. He is now married has 2 children It wouldn't be the worst thing to walk away. It would be nice to get a victory this season but i think he is done.

    • + 0
    • Sep 3 2019 - 21:28
  • denis1304

    Posts: 284

    Back when there was 16 races, top paid drivers would get how much money? Definitely not 30+
    There wasn't this much circus around the sport, back then... Watch Ross Brown interview on Sky.
    Seb, your'e just getting old and uninterested in sport.

    • + 0
    • Sep 4 2019 - 07:29

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Australia
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Mexico
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21 - Nov 23 2025
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28 - Nov 30 2025
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Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
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United States of America Miami International Autodrome
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23 - May 25 2025
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13 - Jun 15 2025
27 - Jun 29 2025
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1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary Hungaroring
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Italy Monza
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Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
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17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26 2025
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil Interlagos
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United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
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5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
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Driver profile

  • Team Aston Martin
  • Points 1,480
  • Podiums 56
  • Grand Prix 161
  • Country DE
  • Date of b. Jul 3 1987 (38)
  • Place of b. Heppenheim, DE
  • Weight 62 kg
  • Length 1.75 m
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