24 for 23 Races next year that is!

[rmassart]

Not really odd, still about the money. Adding cars means a smaller slice of the pie for tha teams. More races equals a bigger pie to slice.

Good point.  Are there any confirmed new entries? I hear lots of talk, but struggle to keep up with this. Personally, I think any team who meets the criteria should be allowed to join. I don't like the idea of it being a closed shop. I will gladly see 30 cars on the grid. Might be a challenge at Monaco...

[Andy B]

Is 26 not the limit which is why they had pre-qualifying some years ago?

[rmassart]

Yes, I think it's something like that, although I think the pre-qualifying was more to get rid of the ones who can't perform within 107% of the leader.

But if there are 30 cars who can perform at the right level, let's have 30 cars on the grid. I always get the impression that in the US there are more cars on the Indy car grid than in F1. I might be wrong though.

[Dare]

At the Indy500 there's 33 cars that start. I'm not
sure about the rest of the races

[Jericoke]

At the Indy500 there's 33 cars that start. I'm not
sure about the rest of the races

Did a quick read through the rules, apparently IndyCar, the sanctioning body, limits how many entries there are per event.  It looks like the limit may be available pit spaces at the facility.

I doubt Indycar would allow more than 33 cars in a single race (as per that being the limit for the Indy500 itself), I also doubt there are 33+ serious entries for non Indy500 events in the modern age.  There is no stipulated minimum in the rules.  However there may be a minimum as part of promotional contracts with local circuits or media coverage.

https://epaddock.indycar.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=k8xdi-l5zaU%3D&portalid=0

[cosworth151]

I think Audi is the closest to being a new entry, and that looks like it will be a buyout of Sauber when their contract with Alfa ends.

[Andy B]

Back to the number of races!
This comment from Ralf Schumacher hit the nail on the head I think and how many on here would find 24 races a turn off if the WC is already won very early?

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ralf-schumacher-warning-2023-calendar/

[Dare]

I would be happy with 16. One 3 week hiatus and one 4 week is
too much. !8 at the most.

[Andy B]

I quite agree Dare I reduce the number and give more flexibility within the rules to allow for innovation.
A bit like it used to be. ;-)

[Jericoke]

Back to the number of races!
This comment from Ralf Schumacher hit the nail on the head I think and how many on here would find 24 races a turn off if the WC is already won very early?

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ralf-schumacher-warning-2023-calendar/

If we had 24 races this year we would have MORE drivers in contention after 16 races.  How is having more potential champions boring?

Personally, I find the post championship races quite exciting.  The top drivers are going in with a different mentality, the midfield fights take on greater meaning.  If F1 is worried about a championship being won too early, no matter the race count, then they need to play up the 'sub plots' more.

[Alianora La Canta]

Back to the number of races!
This comment from Ralf Schumacher hit the nail on the head I think and how many on here would find 24 races a turn off if the WC is already won very early?

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ralf-schumacher-warning-2023-calendar/

If we had 24 races this year we would have MORE drivers in contention after 16 races.  How is having more potential champions boring?

Personally, I find the post championship races quite exciting.  The top drivers are going in with a different mentality, the midfield fights take on greater meaning.  If F1 is worried about a championship being won too early, no matter the race count, then they need to play up the 'sub plots' more.

Because in practise, most years the eventual champion becomes obvious at a particular point - and the more races there are, the further from the end the average point that happens occurs.

There are already problems with many people thinking championships are done and dusted by the summer break, and not coming back afterwards.