Hamilton not sure F1 needs Vietnam GP addition

Lewis Hamilton believes Formula 1 does not need to expand its calendar beyond the current amount of 21 races per year.

F1 commercial rights holder Liberty Media is keen to increase the number of grands prix per season on the calendar to around 25, with a Vietnam Grand Prix the latest confirmed addition for 2020, while other deals, including an inaugural event in Miami are being worked on.

A bloated 2018 calendar – the joint-highest in F1 history – resulted in the sport’s first-ever triple-header of races across June and July. To avoid a repeat scenario next year, the 2019 season will start in March and finish in December for the first time in 50 years.

While Hamilton, who sealed his fifth world title with two races to spare this year, did not directly comment on the Vietnam race, he suggested F1 should scale back on the amount of events held each season.

"It already feels like we are on race 25 this year, so I don't think that's a good thing personally,” he said.

When asked if he had an ideal limit in his mind, Hamilton replied: “Not really. Less! I don't know, probably 18 was the best, back in the day.

"I'm someone that really loves racing, but the season is long. It’s a lot of commitment for all of us and a lot of time away from families.

"The seasons are getting longer and the off-time is getting shorter. As a competitor, all I can speak for is myself - the turnaround is so short.

"You start preparing for your next season often as soon as the season is done. That's very difficult.

“Then you've got to find a way of switching off and recovering at the same time. It’s most likely I'm not going to be here when it gets to 25, that's for sure.”