Historic circuits must focus on the future if they want to remain on the Formula 1 calendar, Stefano Domenicali claims.
Competition to host a Grand Prix is at an all-time high, with the Italian chief claiming he could easily fill a 32-race schedule such is the current level of interest.
This has put pressure on F1’s long-standing circuits, such as Spa-Francorchamps, Monza and even Monaco, to prove their value, particularly as Domenicali reiterates that an established past alone does not guarantee a lengthy future.
“When historic [circuits] are only looking back that’s not good, when the historic [circuits] look ahead with a different future that’s beautiful,” he was quoted by MotorsportWeek.
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“That’s why with the so-called historic Grands Prix we are focused on understanding what is the view of the future.
“To be arrogant and believe that you have a granted future because you had a race for 100 years, to be very honest is not enough.
“I think at this moment everyone is understanding that, and we are not playing any games.
“We are very transparent with them, we are saying if they want to be on the calendar they need to be doing the things we believe is right for them and also for us as F1.
“It’s clear in the last couple of years the perception of these historical places have changed as they realise the landscape is different.”
This season sees a record 23 races scheduled with the Chinese GP set to have made it 24 before being cancelled again late last year.
Already, there is speculation of a possible 25-race calendar next year as Shanghai returns, while South Africa and also Vietnam have been reported as other potential new races.
Commenting on where F1 is looking, Domenicali admitted: “It’s no secret we are still seeing if there’s a chance to go to Africa [because] it’s the only continent missing.”
If that happens, one race from the current schedule would have to be dropped, and the historic Belgian GP is the only one without a contract beyond 2023.
But after impressing F1 bosses last year, circuit director Vanessa Maes is hopeful of securing a longer-term deal.
“I am much more optimistic now than I was a year ago,” she told HLN as per PlanetF1.
“A delegation from F1 Group came by this month for two days, to have a quiet look at all the changes we have made to the circuit to make the next Grand Prix an even bigger success than in 2022.
“We make the case that Francorchamps now fully meets the F1 Group’s specifications. We are filling in all the conditions. A new meeting is planned soon with the F1 Group people, this time with our chairman Melchior Wathelet in attendance.”
