F1 record-breaking 23-race calendar the "absolute limit"

AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost has conceded to fears "people could lose interest in F1" if the sport extends beyond the "absolute limit" of 23 races.

F1 will complete a record-breaking 23 races this season but with China and Qatar set to return next year as well as the introduction of a grand prix in Las Vegas, it is probable the sport will expand further in 2023.

The current Concorde Agreement dictates a maximum of 25 events per season, meaning at least one race will need to drop off the current calendar if F1 is to remain within this cap.

Backing his belief that F1 must remain a "premium product", Tost explained: "Last year, we were lucky because the races were very interesting, there were always fights, but we can't expect that this will always be the case.

"So, for me, 23 races is the absolute limit. Not from the workload point of view, but because I am concerned that with such a high number of races, in the end, it could cause people to lose interest in Formula 1.

"For me, the best number would be between 18 and 20 races because Formula 1 should be a premium product and we really should think about maybe reducing the number of races to keep it special.

"Personally, I am fine with 23 races or more, but this is not the question. The question is what's best for the future of Formula 1."

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