I agree that 23 races is way too much.
Just to add - I am not an expert in F1 logistics, however, I do know that a key motivator for F1 is money, and therefore they will try and make sure that the calendar logistics are as cheap as possible, which would include limiting use of airfreight as much as possible, and minimising distances. Bear in mind that there will also be constraints to the calendar, be it local restrictions, individual circuit calendars, tying up with key dates etc.
Similar to rock concerts (the larger ones anyway) there are usually multiple set ups involved, which leapfrog around the tour. I know that F1 use airfreight and Shipping - shipping is cheaper but takes longer. e.g. a boat with kit from, say, Australia to Florida may take a week, meaning you could have most of the kit moved between these 2 across a 2 week bridge, with closer races in between. Also, worth thinking that the cars will mostly go back to base in 2 week gaps, and most of the teams are based in Europe.
Once you put all the different parts together, the logistics may actually make sense.