F1: Asian triple-header would be "too much," Button says

Jenson Button believes Bernie Ecclestone's proposed triple-header of grands prix in the Far East for the 2016 calendar would be "too much" for the Formula 1 teams.

To accommodate the request from the teams for a three-week summer break – at present there is only a two – F1 chief executive Ecclestone is suggesting a calendar that features Singapore, Japan and Malaysia running back to back. The Belgian Grand Prix would move from its current date of Aug. 28 to Sept. 4, with Italy following a week later, and the Far East schedule pencilled in for Sept. 25 [Singapore], Oct. 2 [Japan] and Oct. 9 [Malaysia].

That, in turn, would allow the already-condensed record-breaking 21-race season to conclude as planned in Abu Dhabi on November 27 rather than running into December. Button, though, feels such a proposal is a step too far.

"It's easy for drivers, but it's very different for the teams," Button said. "These guys spend so much time away from home, and it's very difficult not only for their relationships, but also their families.

"With all the travel, the packing up and unpacking for those races it would be very tough. With three back-to-back races, personally, I feel it is too much for Formula 1."

The logistics of Ecclestone's plan would also appear debatable as Singapore and Malaysia are neighbouring countries, with Japan a seven-hour flight away. Part of Ecclestone's problem, however, is the promoters of the night race in Singapore are not willing to stage their event in such close proximity on the schedule to that of Malaysia.

Ecclestone initially looked at moving Malaysia toward the end of November, with Abu Dhabi switching to December, but he is now not so keen on holding a race so late in the year.

Button added: "You would think you would have Singapore and Malaysia back to back – we could even drive there. It's only 300 kilometres away.

"If you have a good race in Singapore here then people would get excited and go to Malaysia. It would work quite well."

PROPOSED 2016 F1 CALENDAR

April 3 - AustraliaApril 10 - ChinaApril 24 - BahrainMay 1 - RussiaMay 15 - SpainMay 29 - MonacoJune 12 - CanadaJune 26 - BritainJuly 3 - AustriaJuly 17 - Europe (Baku)July 31 - GermanyAugust 7 - HungarySeptember 4 - BelgiumSeptember 11 - Italy
September 25 - SingaporeOctober 2 - Japan
October 9 - Malaysia
October 23 - USA
October 30 - Mexico
November 13 - Brazil
November 27 - Abu Dhabi

Originally on Autosport.com