Triple-headers "are not sustainable" in Formula 1 - McLaren

Formula 1

Triple-headers "are not sustainable" in Formula 1 - McLaren

The teams have endured nine races in 11 weekends

Ian Parkes

Saturday 19 September 2020 12:30

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl has issued a stark warning to Formula 1 that triple-headers will not be tolerated in the future.

F1's teams are taking a deserved breather ahead of the next race in Russia after a run of nine grands prix in 11 weekends, that included three triple-headers.

The sport was forced to adopt drastic measures this season to squeeze in 17 races due to the Covid-19 pandemic decimating the calendar over the first half of the year.

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Seidl, though, has insisted that such a run cannot be repeated as the health of all involved needs to be respected, along with family life.

"One thing which is crystal clear from our side, which we will clearly communicate to Formula 1, is that triple headers are not a sustainable way to go forward in Formula 1," said Seidl.

"It's very hard on our people. It's simply too long being away from home from our families, and therefore, it's definitely something we are completely against.

"In terms of how it has gone so far this season, I think we have survived this season because everyone has understood it's a special season and understands also we have all had to make these compromises because we need to get the races in to ensure we secure our financial income."

From McLaren's perspective, in particular, Seidl concedes the schedule has been made a little easier given the performances of the team that is pushing for third place in the constructors' championship.

"If I look at our time, in terms of the step forward we have made in terms of results this year, with the performance we have shown, that is obviously something that has helped us get through these triple headers," added Seidl.

"A result like we had at Monza [Carlos Sanz second, Lando Norris fourth] is obviously a big boost for the morale in the team, that helped us survive through the third week.

"But again, we need to make clear that cannot be the new standard in the future."

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