More revenue for an overworked circus: F1 approves expansive 2024 calendar

The 2024 Formula 1 calendar has been confirmed, with the action taking place over 24 rounds - two more than this year.

It's going to be a tiring and long season, starting in Bahrain on 2 March and ending in Abu Dhabi on 8 December. It will be tough, with some drivers, including Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso, expressing concern over the packed calendar.

Verstappen, who is on record as saying he is not a fan of an extended calendar and gimmicks like the Sprint Race to spice up a race weekend, reiterated that he might not renew his deal with Red Bull Racing when it runs its course in 2028.

"It is too many (races) for me, but we just have to deal with it," Verstappen said.

"I think (the calendar) is a bit more logical the way that it is planned. At least, I guess that is better for everyone. But more things will have to come together for me to make my mind up over whether I stay longer (than 2028) or not. But I think that these things are definitely not helping for sure."

24 races in 2024 with big steps forward in regionalisation ??Introducing next year’s Formula 1 calendar ???#F1 pic.twitter.com/JTSWJL29yH

Stresses on drivers, teams

Alonso, a veteran of 365 Grands Prix, who started his career in 2001, admitted that the expanded calendar is indeed good for the sport, given the revenue potential.

"I understand all the benefits of having 24 races and the reasons behind doing so many," the Aston Martin driver said. "It is difficult. There is a lot of interest in F1 and a big demand.

"So, it is good to go to new countries and have new races - this year, it will be in Las Vegas, and a few years ago, it was Qatar. And it is great to open the sport to new countries.

"There is more revenue for everyone."

While Alonso is praising this