F1 calendar: 2016 triple header proposal "too much" - Jenson Button

To accommodate the request from the teams for a three-week summer break - at present there is only a fortnight - F1 supremo Ecclestone is suggesting a calendar that features Singapore, Japan and Malaysia runing back-to-back.

The Belgian Grand Prix would move from its current date of August 28 to September 4, with Italy following a week later, and the Far East schedule pencilled in for September 25 [Singapore], October 2 [Japan] and October 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, saying: "It's easy for drivers, but it's very different for the teams.

"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 keen to stage their event in such close proximity on the schedule to that in Malaysia.

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

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 - Australia
April 10 - China
April 24 - Bahrain
May 1 - Russia
May 15 - Spain
May 29 - Monaco
June 12 - Canada
June 26 - Britain
July 3 - Austria
July 17 - Europe (Baku)
July 31 - Germany
August 7 - Hungary
September 4 - Belgium
September 11 - Italy
September 25 - Singapore
October 2 - Japan
October 9 - Malaysia
October 23 - USA
October 30 - Mexico
November 13 - Brazil
November 27 - Abu Dhabi