Max Verstappen on the Formula 1 autumn schedule: “It’s taking its toll on all of us”

In the first year of the new Formula 1 World Championship, 1950, the season consisted of just seven races. In 1960 there were ten, and in 1970 thirteen. By 1982, the premier class had reached 16 races, and this figure remained stable for 20 years.

But then things moved quickly: by 2012 there were already 20 races; in 2016 there were 21 for the first time; 22 in 2021, and 24 for the first time in 2024. Series owner Liberty Media from the US wants to rake in as much money as possible at a time when Formula 1 is once again popular and glamorous worldwide.

There are limits to this growth: Formula 1 is currently in a phase of six races over seven weekends, from Baku (Azerbaijan) to Malaysia (the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang), then on to Singapore; a brief breather, followed in quick succession by Texas, Mexico and Brazil.

What’s really taking it out of people: after the Vegas night Grand Prix, heading to Qatar just a few days later (if the races in the Middle East actually go ahead – I’m not entirely sure about that yet).

There are reasons why some drivers are currently going into the GP weekend feeling the strain (Antonelli, Bottas, Stroll). Max Verstappen confirms: “The high frequency of races is taking its toll on all of us.”

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The Dutchman elaborates: “That’s quite a lot. When I was growing up, the GP season consisted of 16 or 17 races. I do understand why we’ve now reached 24.”

The 74-time Grand Prix winner quips: “Unfortunately, I don’t get any more money whether I drive 24 Grands Prix or just 20.”

“When I was still a teenager, I didn’t mind racing every weekend. Now we’re so tied up with it, but I’ve got a family now. And I just miss them when I’m away.”

“Of course I can take my family with me, but ultimately I’m at work. So the time I can spend with my loved ones is limited, even when they’re with me.”