Bernie Ecclestone insists the calendar will not expand past the current record of 20 races in 2014, despite the addition of three new races next year.
It was confirmed this week that Austria would return, whilst both Russia and New Jersey have been in the planning stages for some years.
If all 19 races this season remain, that would bloat the calendar to a record breaking 22-rounds. The 82-year-old however hinted that some will have to be dropped.
“We will have 20 races, Austria included,” Ecclestone told reporters.
If speculation is to be believed, the Korean GP will be dropped in favour of Russia, reducing it to 21. Meanwhile rumours that the New Jersey street race won’t be ready in time continue to circulate.
Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda is of the opinion it has already been dropped from the calendar.
“It [New Jersey] didn’t happen this year, because of a lack of money,” he told ORF.
“As far as I know, it’s already gone from the [2014] calendar.”
If correct, that would bring the calendar in line with Ecclestone’s comments.
Lauda is however more than happy to see his home country back on the list.
“This is the best thing that could have happened to us,” he added. “I have always hoped that F1 would return here. The fact that this is a reality is down to Mr Mateschitz. It means a lot to me, as I’ve also won here.”
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