By alley - Oct 24, 2014, 11:56 AM ET

F1: More than 20 races no problem, Ecclestone says

The Formula 1 calendar is set to expand to 20 races next season with the addition of a Mexican Grand Prix, and another grand prix is expected to be added in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2016, while discussions are continuing about a second U.S race in Las Vegas. These additions would seem to conflict with the view of the race teams, who have resisted expanding the schedule beyond 20 events, but F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone doesn't appear to see that as a problem.

"If I want more than 20 races I don't need consent from the teams. I don't think so," Ecclestone told Forbes. "I don't care about the consent from them, which is more to the point," he added.

Ecclestone revealed last week that he is in talks with city officials in Las Vegas

about running a street race that would include the gambling mecca's fabled Strip, and the Baku race has been a go for some time. Rumors also surfaced in the Spanish press this week about a potential F1 street race in Madrid, although Ecclestone poured cold water on that prospect.

"They talked about it but nothing has happened. We're not going to do a race in Madrid," Ecclestone told Forbes. "We don't need a second race in Spain."