BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - FEBRUARY 28: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing attends the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on February 28, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images).

Max Verstappen expressed his feelings regarding the Formula 1 calendar getting too long and too packed, something which he thinks is negative for the sport and the drivers.

In 2023, the Formula 1 paddock will visit 24 venues, a record for the sport. The three-time world champion believes the number of races teams are required to participate in is “too much” and “crazy”.

“I love racing a lot and I do it a lot also outside F1, but at one point you start looking into the quality of life and how much you are away for, doing the sport you love.

“So for sure, we need to look into that because if you have to start rotating drivers, that is a bit crazy.

“It’s how I feel and probably a few more drivers feel like that, but it is up to F1 and what they want to do with their sport.”

The Dutchman added that in the early stages of a driver’s career, this might not be an issue. However, he fears that some could start shortening their careers as the Formula 1 schedule requires a lot of effort.

“At one point, I would prefer to be at home and focus on other projects. This is crazy, you know how much you have to do for it and I love it, now it is not a problem, but I know that in a couple of years, it’s very different.

“If people in the sport start shortening their careers because it is too much, I think that is a bit of a shame. So hopefully we can take a look at that for the future.”