Vettel: F1 must use common sense to protect classic races

Sebastian Vettel feels Formula 1 bosses should make decisions on "common sense" when shaping the sport's future calendar and do more to protect classic, well-attended races.

F1 is poised for its longest season yet in 2020 with the addition of new races in Vietnam and the Netherlands, with the German Grand Prix set to drop off the schedule.

Races in more traditional F1 markets such as Germany, Spain and Italy have come under pressure in recent years, and while officials are eager to strike a balance with new 'destination cities', Vettel has stressed the importance of looking after the classic events.

"I hope that we don’t lose this race," Vettel said of the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim. "I think not only as German drivers, I think for the German crowd we saw is very passionate, a lot of people turning up. It was sold out despite the weather. I think we had a great race and it would be a shame to lose it.

"Obviously I’m not quite sure what’s in the future, whether there’s a chance to keep it, but certainly when it comes to passion and effort that people put into this race it’s pretty high up.

"I hope people make some decisions on common sense and not based on how much the wallet is opening. I think we have grands prix that we just must not lose such as Monza, such as the race at Silverstone in the UK.

"I think Germany and Spain have a long history of racing so it would be a shame to lose those and instead go to a place where they pay millions for the race to turn up but nobody is sitting in the grandstand."

A last-minute deal to save the Spanish Grand Prix is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, followed by the publication of a 22-race calendar for the 2020 season.