The latest edition of the French Grand Prix, staged last weekend at the Paul Ricard circuit, was experienced by many French fans with a hint of regret related to the future of this specific event, which may have been the last to take place in their country. For the next few years, in fact, there is a real risk that the Grand Prix beyond the Alps may disappear from the calendar, while at the same time, there are strong concerns regarding the future of two other historic European stages such as Monaco and Spa-Francorchamps.
Not surprisingly, the philosophy of Liberty Media seems to be more based on races that take place on street circuits, more open to attracting the attention of the public but also more distant from the tradition of Formula 1, as also stated by the reigning champion Max Verstappen, who said he was contrary to the expansion of the sports on city circuits. In recent weeks, moreover, France itself had been included in these projects with a possible weekend in Nice, a hypothesis that later vanished also due to an unexpected step forward in the negotiations on a renewal of the French Grand Prix.
The sell-out registered at the Paul Ricard has in fact increased the percentages of a contract renewal for the event. Admitting this was directly Christian Estrosi, promoter of the French Grand Prix and current mayor of Nice, as well as a former driver: “It is the end of a contract in which France had to demonstrate its organizational know-how – he told france24.com – 200,000 people arrived at the circuit between Friday and Sunday, an all-time record. We are in the middle of a negotiation, so no, I’m not resigned with the idea of Formula 1 leaving. I have seen our country win back its Grand Prix de France, this magnificent and popular sporting event. I am convinced that in the coming weeks we will have extremely positive things to announce for the future of our Grand Prix.” – he stated.
However, Christian Estrosi’s optimism does not coincide with the information reported by the German newspaper Auto Motor und Sport: the French Grand Prix, in fact, will most likely not be included on the 2023 calendar while the Spa stage in Belgium can still hope for another season on the calendar after the 2022 edition. The South African Grand Prix, in fact, could be postponed to 2024.
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