Two prominent F1 drivers say they have no problem with this year’s longest-ever race calendar and the shift away from Europe.
Many people who work in the sport are bemoaning the unprecedentedly long 21-date schedule, and the fact that there are no less than four races in the month of July.
"For me it’s no problem," said McLaren-Honda veteran Jenson Button.
"I fly in on Thursday morning and most of the time leave on Monday morning.
"For the mechanics it’s different, they’re probably at home only one day of the week," he is quoted by Brazil’s UOL. "It’s very difficult for their families."
World champion Lewis Hamilton, who jets around the calendar and elsewhere in the world aboard his red private jet, also doesn’t mind the current schedule.
"There are a lot of races this year but, personally, I like the races outside of Europe, usually because the weather is better," said the Briton.
"I don’t mind long flights — I like to be away from home," Hamilton added.