Haas open to 25-race plans, if 'commercially viable'

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Haas boss Guenther Steiner is open to Formula 1's long term plan of increasing the sport's schedule to 25 races, if it makes sense economically.

As he seeks to grow F1, CEO Chase Carey is targeting an expansion of the calendar which will already include 21 events next year.

But longer term that number could grow to 25 as Liberty Media likely attempts to add more venues in the US while perhaps also growing F1's base in Europe.

Asked about his thoughts on a potential extension of the race schedule, Fernando Alonso said he would quit the sport if his agenda swelled to 25 races.

F1 calendar expansion in the works

But Guenther Steiner believes F1 should keep an open mind and weigh the benefits of adding more races.

"Fernando is lucky in the sense that he can afford to go," Steiner said in Montreal.

"As for the teams, there has been talk about increasing the number of races for a long time, but it would require serious preparation.

"If this route is taken, and it is commercially viable for us, then why not?" he added.

"We want to be in Formula 1 -- we are not obliged to be, and if someone thinks there are too many races, they have the freedom to stop," said Steiner.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.