Lewis Hamilton claims Liberty Media’s plan to expand the Formula 1 calendar upto 25 races per year would drive him out of the sport.
The current 21-race schedule is already the longest ever and will be repeated again in 2019, for the season after, however, Grands Prix in Vietnam, Holland and Miami have either been confirmed or are expected could take the total to 24.
“It already feels like we’re on race 25 this year, to be honest, so, I don’t think that’s a good thing, personally,” Hamilton said on the possibility.
Asked his view on if the current calendar was the ideal length, the Mercedes driver said: “Not really. Less! I don’t know, probably 18 was the best, back in the day.
“I’m someone that really likes racing, but the season is long. It’s a long, long season, it’s a long, long commitment for all of us, it’s a long time away from families.
“The seasons get longer and the off-time is getting shorter. As a competitor, all I can speak is for myself, just the turnaround is so short.
“You start already preparing for your next season often as soon as the season is done. That’s very, very difficult.”
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With Hamilton’s current contract expiring after 2020, he also had this admission should Liberty go ahead with their plans.
“You’ve got to find a way of switching off and recovering at the same time, so it’s most likely, I’m not going to be here when it gets to 25, that’s for sure,” he said.