P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen has questioned the sport’s expansion to a record-breaking 24-race calendar for the 2024
Former Formula 1 driver Mika Hakkinen has expressed his concerns about the increasingly packed race calendar in recent years. He noted that the 2023 season, with 22 races, was record-breakingly long compared to his time in F1 when there were a maximum of 17 races. Hakkinen observed signs of burnout and exhaustion among the teams during the 2023 season, particularly due to the back-to-back races and the challenging transitions between them. He emphasized that the racing attitude and focus required in F1 make it a significant challenge for drivers, mechanics, and the entire organization. Hakkinen acknowledged that the popularity of F1 and the demand for more races are factors driving the expansion of the calendar, especially in the US and the Middle East. However, he advocated for careful consideration of compensations and ensuring that people’s endurance and concentration levels are maintained to avoid mistakes in a sport with high speeds.
