Alonso doesn't want expanded F1 schedule

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Fernando Alonso believes the current 21-race schedule imposed upon Formula 1's teams and drivers is quite enough, and opposes any extension of the calendar.

In the wake of Liberty Media Group's takeover of Formula 1, the American company hinted at adding more races to the calendar, possibly extending its schedule to include up to 25 events.

But Alonso hopes it doesn't happen, considering the current program already takes its toll on everyone involved.

"I understand and I respect the reasons for wanting to expand further," Alonso is quoted as saying by Speed Week.

"When I started in F1, we had 16 or 17 Grands Prix, but a lot of testing between the race weekends. We were about as busy as we are today and perhaps even more.

"But the big point is that we travel too much and have too many races back to back."

Alonso alluded to the calendar's tight schedule involving many long-distancetrtips.
"We rush from Europe in early September to Singapore and now we're in Malaysia.

"In just a few days we will meet again in Japan and then we go off to the other side of the world again. And then we're back across the Atlantic to Abu Dhabi. To me, it's just too much."

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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.