Horner warns Formula 1 against effects of calendar 'saturation'

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Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner says Formula 1 could risk "saturation" if its calendar is extended beyond its current 21-race schedule, with the teams struggling to carry the burden of an expansion.

Ever since it took over Grand Prix racing at the end of 2016, commercial rights holder Liberty Media has spoken of its ambition of widening F1's presence around the globe.

Efforts are underway to add a second race in the US and in China, while Vietnam will appear on the docket in 2020. However, new additions to the calendar could be to the detriment of existing races in Spain, Germany or Mexico where contracts have yet to be renewed.

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For Horner, any extension beyond the current 21-race limit would lead to a domino effect with widespread consequences for the teams.

"I think what you have to appreciate is that a grand prix weekend, not for us but the people down in the garage, it’s a week-long event," he said.

"For many other functions that are involved in going to grands prix, 21 is already a big ask. Going beyond that is, I feel, a tipping point.

"You then have to look at the construction of the grand prix weekend. Do we need to do as much testing as we do? The duration of the season.

"All those factors and what impact it has on cost and budget caps and so on and, is it ultimately going to make it a better show?"

©RedBull

Horner is all for the sport adding addition revenue, but the Red Bull team boss believes F1 needs to strike the right balance between quality and quantity when it comes to its expansion.

"A book can only have so many chapters and we want to make sure as many of those chapters are as entertaining as possible and it crescendos to something;" he added.

“What you don’t want to have is saturation.

"And I think it’s finding that balance of what is the right number and what is the right construction of a race weekend."

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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.