21-race calendar gives F1 greater exposure - Andretti

US racing legend Mario Andretti says F1’s record 21-race programme in 2016 will result in greater exposure for the sport, while also admitting that it can represent “a burden” for the teams.

The upcoming campaign is set to be the longest season in F1 history, with opinions divided on the matter. FIA president Jean Todt has labelled the extended calendar “a privilege”, but Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff has already warned that it will put a strain on his staff.

While sympathetic to the latter’s concerns, Andretti thinks the benefits of having a 21-race year outweighs the inconveniences.

“It does represent an extra burden for the teams, but they must also appreciate that it provides greater exposure to the brands,” the 75-year-old icon told Spanish publication El Pais.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for F1 because you have an incredible demand and 21 occasions to showcase the sport. Plus the drivers are willing to run more races, so that calendar’s not a bad thing in my opinion.”

The eventual number of races could actually shrink to 20, as doubts linger over the United States Grand Prix. Circuit of the Americas has been hosting the race since 2012 but reduced funding from the State of Texas and close competition from the returning Mexican Grand Prix could end up jeopardising the Austin event.

“After all the investments that were made on this fantastic venue, all people involved need to make sure we have a Grand Prix,” commented Andretti, who won the 1978 F1 world championship with Lotus.

“Interest in the US has been growing, especially now that we have an American team on the grid [Haas F1 Team].

“I think F1 needs the US and vice versa. When you look at the sponsors in every team, you see that all of them are global and most do business in America.

“It is believed that the Mexico race has taken some of the spectators away, but as time goes by, both events will help each other because people are keen to see F1.”

Tell us more about your job at Red Bull, Guillaume Rocquelin

Testing a livery

Key dates for the 2016 F1 season

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

From zero confidence to big step: Antonelli shines in Suzuka Q3

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli turned a torrid start to his Japanese Grand Prix weekend into…

2 hours ago

Japanese GP: Saturday's action in pictures

Saturday’s qualifying at Suzuka Circuit was peak F1 tension, with Max Verstappen stunning his McLaren…

4 hours ago

Hadjar overcomes seatbelt agony for Suzuka qualifying glory

Racing Bulls’ rookie Isack Hadjar turned agony into triumph at the Japanese Grand Prix, battling…

5 hours ago

Leclerc feeling ‘a lot more at ease’ with Ferrari car at Suzuka

Charles Leclerc says his relationship with Ferrari’s SF-25 car at the Japanese Grand Prix is…

6 hours ago

Sainz hit with Japanese GP grid drop for impeding Hamilton

Williams driver Carlos Sainz has been slapped with a three-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Japanese…

7 hours ago

Verstappen: Surprise pole in Suzuka is ‘what makes it special’

Max Verstappen erupted in pure elation after snatching pole position for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix,…

8 hours ago