Sainz concedes "business is business" amidst calendar debate

Carlos Sainz has conceded "business is business" as F1's historic European races come under threat.

F1 is branching out to new destinations as its appeal increases with the help of more exciting racing action and Netflix's Drive to Survive docu-drama.

Miami makes its debut as the fifth round of this year's championship whilst Las Vegas will be added in 2023 along with Qatar's return after its 2021 cameo.

The influx of new circuits and the interest from other venues, including Kyalami which would take F1 to Africa for the first time since 1993, poses a threat to the culturally historical circuits on the calendar.

"I think there needs to be a limit for the number of races that we keep adding, so in the end some other races are going to pay the price of having to stay out," said Sainz.

"Obviously big fan of having to go to Miami and Vegas, but at the same time, big loss having to lose classic European races, I think.

"Hopefully, for the future, we can find a compromise where maybe races that cannot afford to be in the calendar every year, year-in, year-out, can be in the calendar once every two years, once every three years, you know?"

Insisting F1 and owners Liberty Media have to look after the best interests of the sport, the Ferrari driver added: "Business is business.

"Liberty and Formula 1 will look at what they have to do, I guess, for business, but I wouldn't like to stop racing in Europe.

"I think it's a great place to go racing, it’s where our heritage is and I think we need to keep coming back, even if it's not every single year, but at least keep it on the calendar."

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