Jenson Button: Formula 1 calendar has hit maximum capacity

The 2016 schedule is set to feature a record-breaking 21 races, with Germany returning after a one-year absence and Azerbaijan joining the series with a street race in Baku.

While Button says he would personally enjoy having more racing to do, he knows the workload increase will put a big strain on the lives of mechanics and engineers.

"For me, it's fine because I love racing and I wish there was another race next weekend," said Button.

"It's not an issue for me. I fly in on a Thursday to the European races and I leave on a Sunday night whereas the mechanics work such long hours.

"They spend so much time away from home that 21 races is going to be tough.

"It's difficult for any mechanic or engineer to have a relationship right now.

"For those guys, it's not going to be easy. I just hope it doesn't grow in terms of races for 2017 because I think it will be too much."

The 2016 season starts a week further into March than this term did, but still finishes on the last weekend of November.

That added to the extra races has created a congested calendar that includes six pairs of back-to-back grands prix.

Button is concerned that if F1 continues to add races, team staff could leave their roles due to the increased demand.

"I think this year was quite a long season for the teams," said Button.

"The first race next year is later, so it means there's a lot of back to backs. That's two weeks away from home for lot of guys, which is tough.

"Hopefully it won't change the way the sport is, but I think you'll have people hanging around less in their role in the race team.

"You're going to have new people coming in after one year maybe, which is a shame because it's nice having that atmosphere with the people you know and have worked with for years."