Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has once again voiced his concerns regarding the intensity of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, which he deems overly saturated. Amidst a grueling triple-header, Verstappen admitted that the current workload has pushed drivers beyond a sustainable threshold.
"I for sure wish that it was less than 24, but at the same time, of course, I understand the reasons behind why we are having 24 races," Verstappen stated. He highlighted the drastic shift from the beginning of his F1 career, which featured only 17 or 18 rounds, compared to the current demands that require constant travel while balancing family responsibilities.
Verstappen is not alone in his sentiment. Fernando Alonso, the veteran Aston Martin driver, agreed that the current calendar is borderline excessive. "It's a lot. Not really much to add. I think they're a lot, borderline to be too many, and maybe the calendar is not really efficient," Alonso remarked. "To be in Brazil now and go back to Europe and in 10 days go to Vegas, it’s a big thing for this part of the season."
Conversely, Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad holds a more relaxed perspective despite acknowledging the significant increase in his schedule. "It's quite a few. It's a bit more than I'm used to. Last year in F2 it was 14, so it's a bit more this year," he noted. "Obviously, adding in the Bahrain and Malaysia GPs it's going to be 9 in 11 weeks, which is quite a lot, but also at the same time, I love driving, I love being in the car so it's okay."
This issue remains critical given the logistical uncertainty in the Middle East, with the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian GP and lingering doubts regarding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds. For the drivers, the relentless physical and mental toll has now become a genuine challenge that extends far beyond mere speed on the track.
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