The future of classic tracks in the race calendar has not been announced in church, despite their legendary status. At the same time, F1 wants to expand the market to Africa.
The Belgian race will be held next weekend in Spa. PDO
CEO of Formula 1 Stefano Domenicali warns that a long history and nostalgia value are not enough to guarantee the preservation of the iconic F1 races in the race calendar. Domenicali refers especially to the situations at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Monza in Italy.
The future of Spa and Monza in the formula circus has been at stake. Spa’s contract expires this season, so next weekend’s race may well be the last at the Belgian classic track for the time being.
– There were times when Belgium was not on the calendar. It came back. Sometimes we have a short memory, says Domenicali, according to AFP.
Monza’s contract was extended until 2025 a couple of years ago. The Italian GP has been held at the iconic Monza motor track in every F1 season except 1980, when the race was held at Imola.
– Monza is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Italian GP this year. But as an Italian I have always said: you have to understand that history is not enough. Monza has to do its part, they have to restore the circuit and update that symbolic place, says Domenicali.
Next season, 23 or even 24 F1 races can be run. The final length of the season may depend on whether or not China reappears on the schedule. The last time it was held in Shanghai was in 2019 before the corona pandemic.
– The political line of sports is always very fragile. We have to be careful. We want to promote positive values.
– At the moment, I think the situation in China needs to be monitored for many reasons. The corona situation is still unclear. All major sports leagues are waiting to see what happens. We believe we will have a clearer picture of China’s future by the end of this year.
F1 is also seriously considering bringing the circus back to Africa. South Africa organized its last race so far in 1993. Formula 1 has at least initial interest to extend the race calendar to all continents (except the South Continent).
– We want to organize a competition in Africa. At the moment, the most likely place for it is South Africa, says Domenicali.
– We are looking for a very solid, clear and long-term commitment. It takes time. We will clarify the situation in the next few days. We want to commit to being in Africa, but we want to do it the right way.