'Twenty one race calendar a privilege', says Todt

FIA President Jean Todt believes working in Formula 1 is a 'privilege' and should supersede any worries that this year's arduous 21-race schedule will submit teams and personnel to excessive strain.

This season will see teams contest a record 21 races from March to November as the Grand Prix calendar sees the return of Germany on the docket, and the introduction of new venue Azerbaijan.

Todt has brushed aside worries of potential wear and tear amongst the F1 community in 2016, encouraging all to feel privileged to be part of F1's events rather than focus on the burden of this season's extended schedule.

"If you do these jobs, if you consider all that is happening around the world, every morning you wake up, you should think about how lucky you are to be able to do 20 or 21 races," said Todt.

"I think they are privileged, and I think it's a bad question to complain about having a privilege."

In addition to its race program, teams are also set for two in-season tests in 2016, following the Spanish and British Grands Prix. Furthermore, the FIA has also authorized six, two-day gatherings to assist tyre supplier Pirelli with development.

Feature: Swindlers, liars, and fraudsters - F1’s most curious characters