As the final moments of 2011 approach, McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh explains that no more than 20 races per year should be organized.
He told the BBC he fears being forced to use alternate crews, as the growing number of races makes it increasingly difficult for the mechanics and the engineers.
Three 2012 races are still in doubt: Bahrain, Korea and Texas. If everything goes according to their respective organizers plan, they will bump the number of events to a record 20 rounds.
Whitmarsh is adamant anything over that is going to take its toll of the teams.
“I think we can cope with it [next year] but it is very hard because by the time the team strips down and returns after Brazil [the final race of this season, on 27 November], then it will be December. In January those same guys will be building the car, and then in February testing it, and then they're into a flog around the world. It's an incredibly difficult, challenging job for the mechanics, technicians and engineers.”
As for the drivers' point of view, Jenson Button shares his boss' opinion.
“For us [the drivers], the amount of races doesn't matter, but you have to think about the guys who work non-stop, the mechanics and the engineers. It is a massive difference with regard to the hours they have to do over a race weekend, and it's those guys that are definitely on the limit, not us.”
He told the BBC he fears being forced to use alternate crews, as the growing number of races makes it increasingly difficult for the mechanics and the engineers.
Three 2012 races are still in doubt: Bahrain, Korea and Texas. If everything goes according to their respective organizers plan, they will bump the number of events to a record 20 rounds.
Whitmarsh is adamant anything over that is going to take its toll of the teams.
“I think we can cope with it [next year] but it is very hard because by the time the team strips down and returns after Brazil [the final race of this season, on 27 November], then it will be December. In January those same guys will be building the car, and then in February testing it, and then they're into a flog around the world. It's an incredibly difficult, challenging job for the mechanics, technicians and engineers.”
As for the drivers' point of view, Jenson Button shares his boss' opinion.
“For us [the drivers], the amount of races doesn't matter, but you have to think about the guys who work non-stop, the mechanics and the engineers. It is a massive difference with regard to the hours they have to do over a race weekend, and it's those guys that are definitely on the limit, not us.”
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| McLaren's two most relaxed workers (Photo: WRi2) |