Formula 1 stands on the cusp of the busiest season in its history, with 21 races ahead - one up on the record-setting 2012 schedule; two up on last year.
That represents 20 per cent growth in a decade, and a 30 per cent increase on the 16 rounds that were the norm before Formula One Management bought F1's commercial rights at the turn of the century.
But growth at what cost? Not only the financial impact on teams, many of which stand to lose in direct terms, but also the enduring effects of over-exposure; and, above all, the cost in human terms. It's no coincidence that, as F1's schedule grows, so its overlords are increasingly absent.