Contemporary Formula 1 is equally a sport and a collection of guidelines, and each driver has numerous rules they would prefer to alter if given the opportunity.
If you had asked Max Verstappen a few years back, his response might have differed — yet as the Dutch champion nears fatherhood, his stance on the rule change is evident: Less racing.
Max Verstappen desires “fewer races” in Formula 1.
The creators of Formula 1 would probably be astonished by the duration of the current calendar. In 1950, the first F1 calendar featured seven races, including the Indianapolis 500, which the F1 circuit typically steered clear of.
During that early period, while the racers participated in various events for a consistent income, the European-focused schedule ensured limited travel. However, as the series gained more international popularity, the calendar also expanded. In 1953, the charisma of Juan Manuel Fangio led to the introduction of an Argentine Grand Prix to start the year, and by 1958, the series included a trip to Africa with a race in Casablanca.
Since that time, it has involved pursuing financial opportunities and engagement globally to consistently enhance Formula 1’s visibility. The sport has become a worldwide phenomenon, reaching millions of fans and increasing its marketability across different continents. More races equate to higher television ratings, increased sponsorship deals, and greater economic gains for the stakeholders. Yet, the impact on the drivers and teams has become a growing concern.
In 2025, a record-equalling 24-race season will unfold, with drivers, teams, and crew members traveling around the world for 40 weeks straight. This grueling schedule places significant pressure on everyone involved, from mechanics to engineers and even team executives. The increased workload means less time at home, less time for rest, and heightened stress levels that can affect both performance and well-being. The expansion has undoubtedly improved the sport’s reach, but at what cost to the individuals who make the spectacle happen?
Thus, when Max Verstappen was questioned about which rule he would instantly alter in Formula 1 at the F1 75 Live launch at the London O2 Centre, his answer was likely not unexpected: “Fewer races.”
Alternatively, it may have been surprising. Verstappen frequently finds himself in trouble with the FIA, whether due to his use of profanity, his assertive driving style, or his view that he possesses the “incorrect passport.” However, he firmly believes that having fewer races would be beneficial — at least for the drivers.
“That’s an excessive amount,” he remarked about the yearly count of Grands Prix. “I believe we are quite frequently traveling, don’t you think? Fewer races, that’s where I would begin.”
He paused to recognize that his comment stemmed from “a pure driver perspective,” noting that he grasped the business motivations that maintain Formula 1’s operations, yet personally, he would favor a more compact schedule. His reasoning makes sense—drivers spend an overwhelming amount of time away from their families, and for someone about to become a father, that realization becomes even more profound.
This feeling may have been heightened by the news that he will become a father this year. He and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet are anticipating the arrival of their first child, expected to be born sometime during the Formula 1 season. When inquired whether it affected his sentiments regarding the quantity of events, he replied, “Yeah.”
The demands of being a professional athlete at the pinnacle of motorsport are already immense, but adding fatherhood into the equation amplifies the challenges. Verstappen’s longing for a reduced calendar reflects a broader concern shared by many drivers. The rigorous schedule makes it nearly impossible to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Unlike other sports where athletes may have off-seasons or opportunities to take personal breaks, Formula 1 operates under tight constraints.
“I can’t skip a race unless I accumulate too many penalty points or if I swear.”
The amusing allusion to the FIA’s recent rules against inappropriate language — which might lead to a race suspension after three violations — along with his possible one-race suspension for accumulating too many penalty points elicited laughter from the audience. However, underneath the humor lies a significant issue: there is no room for flexibility in F1. If a driver needs to step away for personal reasons, they risk losing championship points, sponsorship incentives, and potentially their standing within the team.
He then brought the focus back to the main issue.
“In F1, that is not present,” he stated. “You aren’t allowed to take two months off.”
You cannot skip a race, not even for the birth of your baby. A more condensed schedule might, therefore, be more suitable for families. A 24-race season means drivers have almost no time for anything outside of their profession. While other elite sports require commitment, the duration and intensity of an F1 season are unmatched. Reducing the number of races could alleviate some of the strain, allowing drivers to perform at their highest level while maintaining their personal lives.
Other drivers have echoed similar sentiments in the past, voicing concerns about burnout and the sustainability of such an extensive calendar. The constant travel, jet lag, and intense race weekends take a toll, not just physically but mentally as well. Teams also face the logistical nightmare of transporting equipment, setting up in different locations, and ensuring smooth operations under tight schedules. A slightly shorter season could benefit all parties while still maintaining the integrity and excitement of the sport.
Despite Verstappen’s perspective, the business aspect of F1 remains a major obstacle to such changes. The sport’s governing bodies and sponsors see more races as a lucrative opportunity, maximizing revenue and audience engagement. Each Grand Prix brings in millions in ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and brand partnerships, making a reduction in races a financially challenging decision.
Still, the conversation around work-life balance in F1 is gaining traction. As Verstappen prepares for fatherhood, his desire for fewer races is understandable. It highlights a deeper conversation about the well-being of drivers and teams. Whether or not Formula 1 will consider restructuring its calendar remains uncertain, but the demand for change is growing.
For now, Verstappen will continue navigating the demands of the sport while preparing for his next big role—fatherhood. As the F1 world watches him dominate on the track, his off-track journey into parenthood may further shape his perspectives on the sport he has already conquered multiple times.
