F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted that the Belgian Grand Prix might retain its status on the F1 calendar for 2023.
The deal to host the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps expires this year, and while it’s not on the as-yet-unpublished 2023 schedule of 24 races, it’s effectively the first reserve and other events. The news regarding is on hold.
The F1 Chinese Grand Prix is scheduled to resume in 2023 for the first time in three seasons, but in China, especially in the Shanghai area where the race will be held, measures once morest the new coronavirus are a major issue, and F1 cannot fully commit to holding it. .
F1 also hopes to return to South Africa in 2023 for the first time in 30 years, but a commercial deal for the Kyalami event has yet to be agreed.
Uncertainties on both sides have left the door open for Spa-Francorchamps, but Belgian promoters will have to come up with a package suitable for F1, even if it doesn’t match the fees paid by events outside Europe.
Stefano Domenicali insisted Spa-Francorchamps still had a chance, although he said he might not give too many details as the 2023 schedule had not yet been finalized.
“As you can imagine, I can’t comment too much on that as I respect the discussion and formalization through the World Motor Sport Council with the FIA,” said Stefano Domenicali.
“I never said Belgium would be my last year.”
“I think I was cautious with that comment. I would say very cautious. It is true that we are checking whether the
“There is a point that we have always discussed to find a mix of races that has at least one-third in Europe, one-third in the Far East and one in the Americas and the Middle East. I want to take
“Of course we’re talking regarding a business where investment and financial contributions are very important, but traditional racing, racing where we know there are things that money that other people bring can’t bring. I completely respect you.”
“It will be respected not only this year but also in the future. We are still discussing it with Belgium.”
“Those places have a lot of respect. It’s a great place, no doubt regarding it, and that’s why we’re discussing it.”
“All I can say is that we are in Spa this weekend, so you will see them (promoters) in my office a lot.”
Stefano Domenicali has suggested the circuit has upped its game this year as part of its response to the 2021 race, which ended in rain that frustrated spectators.
“I have to say they are incredibly prepared for this weekend,” said Stefano Domenicali.
“Thursday is going to be a special day with the drivers, the fans. We’ve been open regarding it to make up for what happened last year and they did something important.”
“They also presented us with very interesting proposals in terms of transport planning. I think we are looking at them with a very different approach this year.”
“It’s very useful and above all very important for those who are in Spa this weekend.”
Stefano Domenicali has hinted that France might return to the calendar, looking even further ahead than 2023, and has previously mentioned Nice as the venue for the street race.
“We are in talks with the French federation and the government because the future is more and more concerned with promoters who see it as an investment in the country and the community.”
“For a great future the discussion is very open. As you know, it is possible that in the future, if not next year, we will find a rotation proposal that will allow everyone to be part of the calendar. Because I think it’s a matter of respect.”
The impending announcement of Audi and Porsche’s F1 programs from 2026 has also sparked interest in a return to the German Grand Prix, but Stefano Domenicali stressed the commercial terms must be right.
“I really hope Germany is back at the table,” said Stefano Domenicali.
“But one thing I can say is that we want to have a German Grand Prix. The other thing is to put on the table what we need to talk regarding the Grand Prix.”
“So I hope something happens soon. They will have another discussion with us on a different circumstance.”
Category: F1 / F1 Belgian Grand Prix
