Renault boss, Cyril Abiteboul want F1 to work towards reducing the number of races, so as to increase the brand value of the sport.
The triple header this season has everyone talking about the amount of F1 that is taking place this season and how it is exhausting for everyone involved.
Also, apart from the physical and mental exhaustion for everyone involved, Abiteboul feels that too many races are diluting the sport and has called for a massive cut down on the number of races from next year, so as to increase the brand value of the sport.
“We need to be able to engage with fans but is has to remain something special. We are already way above what should be the figure for something special.” Abiteboul said in an interview with Motorsport.com
“We need to convey a message of pride, of motivation, of energy. With the calendar that we have now, the enthusiasm is not the same as when we were only traveling 15 times per year.
“If we don’t have that energy, it is going to be very difficult to convey that externally.
“It is almost becoming routine. It should not be a day-to-day job. We’ve tipped that balance, so we need to be extremely careful.
“I appreciate the reason why, commercially we need to grow the calendar, but as far as I’m concerned, I would be for a massive contraction of the sport.” he added.
Abiteboul has presented a 15-18 race range, however, he feels that reducing the number of races to 15 would be an aggressive move on part of the F1 authorities, and it would immensely help the sport.
“If you were to go very aggressive and say 15 races, you have to tell the 21 races you have right now, ‘Look guys there are going to be six of you that will be dropped: compete’,” Abiteboul said
“You completely reverse the pattern of the market. It would be very interesting to see the reaction.
“I understand it would be a gamble, that it is not something within the current set-up of Formula 1, that acquires more money every year, more people, more tracks, more prize-fund, more of everything.
“But at some point there will be a crunch time and maybe we will see if we can switch the balance.” he added.
