Like the French Grand Prix, Belgium is one of the races threatened with disappearing from the calendar in 2023 as Formula 1 constantly seeks to integrate more lucrative destinations.
If Max Verstappen is Dutch, he was born in the city of Hasselt in Belgium and his mother, Sophie Kumpen, is also Belgian. And the Red Bull driver does not hide it: he is worried regarding the future of the Spa Francorchamps circuit.
“First of all, it’s my favorite circuit. I think it’s an amazing circuit to drive on,” said Verstappen. “Of course, I understand that compared to other tracks, it is probably more difficult to manage the traffic there. But it is an iconic circuit.
With the arrival of Las Vegas next year and following that of Miami this season, the defending champion fears that Formula 1 will end up running only on street circuits in the future.
“I don’t see myself, in 2028 or any other time, just racing street circuits close to town just for fan engagement or whatever reason. We need these iconic circuits on the calendar.”
“Of course, I understand that everyone wants to make money, but there’s a limit to that. It’s important to keep these really cool circuits on the calendar rather than just driving on street circuits, for which F1s aren’t designated anyway.”
