Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted the Belgian Grand Prix will be included in next year’s schedule.
With additional races in Las Vegas, Qatar, South Africa and China all rumoured for 2023, the future of F1 at the famed Spa-Francorchamps circuit looks uncertain.
Even so, there has been very strong support from drivers to keep the event on the calendar, with McLaren’s Lando Norris perhaps offering the strongest comments on the matter.
“It’s a shame,” he said. “Spa is one of the coolest circuits of the whole season.
Also Read:
- ‘All forces are mobilised’ to save Belgian GP but F1 talks ‘not easy’
- Spa ready to host F1 ‘the American way’ to save Belgian GP
- F1 drivers back Spa, Verstappen against increasing street circuits
“It’s a historic race for Formula 1. It’s the same as Monaco, same with like Monza. I feel it should always be on for as long as Formula 1 is around.
“I’ll be sad [if Spa is dropped],” he added. “I guess a lot of things are just about money nowadays, which is the issue. It’s a business.”
Red Bull boss Christian Horner has also suggested historic races like Spa should have a “ringfence” to protect them from being dropped, and it does appear Domenicali is listening as he offered this hopeful suggestion on Wednesday.
“As you can imagine I can’t comment too much on that [2023 calendar] because there is respect of discussion and formalizing through the World Motor Sport Council with the FIA,” he said via Motorsport Week.
“Just two things on that – I saw some comments that I said Belgium will be the last year [in 2022] – I would be prudent on that comment, I would be very prudent, that’s the only thing I would say.”
The current understanding is Spa’s inclusion next year depends on if China has to be cancelled again due to COVID-19 or if a deal to race at Kyalami in South Africa is reached.
But Domenicali also addressed claims that F1 is shifting away from its European roots and becoming too focused on America with three races set to take place in the country next year.
“It’s true that we are working and discussing with other promoters to see if they’re ready for a full commitment already this year or next year,” he said.
“But I would say the balance that has always been a point that we have discussed is to find the mix of races where we’re going to have at least one third in Europe, one third in the Far East area and the other one in the Americas and the Middle East.
“So we want to be balanced. Of course, we are talking about a business where investments and financial contributions are very important.
“But we have always said that the traditional races – the races that we know can’t bring the money that others are bringing – have full respect from us.
“You will see [there] will be respect also, not only this year but also in the future. With Belgium, the discussions are still ongoing.”
