SHANGHAI, China -- Formula One closes its longest season
Sunday, a 19-event global grind from March to October that has left
teams exhausted and costs spiraling. Now comes the daunting
prospect of even more races next year.
"There's a point at which you've just got to take a more moral
position and say, you are asking too much, and we are very close to
that point," said Ron Dennis, head of the McLaren Mercedes team
that is contending for the constructors title .
F1's calendar shows 20 dates for next year, although the final
number won't be set until December. The agreement with the 20 teams
allows for 16 races and possibly 17. Any more and organizers must
compensate teams.
The most likely addition is Cancun, Mexico, which has built a
circuit and signed an agreement with F1 to hold races there.
This year's schedule already has taken a toll, with "people
starting to say I just don't want to do this any more," BAR-Honda
chief executive Nick Fry said.
The time and travel demands are particularly trying for those
with families, with additional pay unable to offset the time lost,
Fry said.
The schedule is particularly tough on smaller teams with fewer
personnel, Red Bull director Christian Horner said.
"This season has been a grueling season," Horner said. "There
are a few tired looking people in the paddock."
Team leaders said the rigors of the season could be eased with
more careful scheduling -- avoiding back-to-back races and allowing
enough time for staff and drivers to return home.
Yet even if the season does stretch on, F1's mix of speed,
glamour and money will continue to motivate those in the industry,
Ferrari chief Jean Todt said.
"I think we are privileged to do this business in Formula One,
compared to other business," said Todt, whose team has won the
last six constructors titles. "So to do 18, 19 or 20 Grands Prix,
even for our people, even knowing that it is demanding, I think
would still remain acceptable."