Verstappen says 24 races a year is too many
The HinduDouble Formula One world champion Max Verstappen cast further doubt on how long he might stay in the sport, saying on Thursday the expansion of the calendar to a record 24 races was “definitely not helping”. The 25-year-old Dutch driver’s Mercedes rival George Russell laughed that off, however, suggesting the threat of retirement might be just part a negotiating position for an even more lucrative contract. READ | Brad Pitt in Silverstone pit lane as F1 gears up for Hollywood action “I think it is a bit more logical the way it’s planned at least, I guess that’s better for everyone,” he said of the distribution of races. Verstappen, who has a contract to the end of 2028 and has already started 172 grands prix since his 2015 debut, has an 81 point lead over Mexican team mate Sergio Perez in the championship after nine races.