As Formula 1 approaches its 24-race limit, and new grands prix such as Las Vegas and Qatar are on the way next year, there is increasing competition between current venues to keep their spot on the calendar.
F1 managing director Stefano Domenicali was clear that even the classic circuits will have to earn confirmation and will not be able to count on past glories to be sure of being present also in the future.
This speech has given rise to rumors about the possibility that one of the events at risk could be that of Munich.
Pierre Gasly expressed all his concerns about the possible loss of the Principality appointment given that the race is an iconic event of Formula 1.
“It would be a shock if Monaco were taken off the calendar,” said the AlphaTauri driver. “It is probably the most iconic race in the world”.
“If you talk to those who don’t follow F1, everyone knows Monaco for various reasons, both related to racing but also to parties and the glamor that embraces the race weekend. It’s a truly iconic weekend ”.
“I hope it can stay on the calendar because it is the hardest track of the season, the most demanding, and it is also my favorite”.
The French then extended the discussion to historical circuits, such as that of Spa-Francorchamps. According to Gasly, given their importance, they should always remain on the calendar ”.
“I have a special attachment to these races. Monaco for me is like my home race and Spa is the closest track to my hometown and usually there are a lot of fans who come to support me ”.
“I think Spa and Monaco are truly iconic tracks and they are my two favorite tracks. They are part of the history and DNA of Formula 1 and should be on the calendar every year ”.
“We know the current Formula 1, there are many elements that influence the way we plan the season. We will see what happens, but I hope that these events will be present in the next few years “.
Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri AT02
Photo by: Erik Junius
Monaco’s contract with Formula 1 will expire after this year’s race, but the president of the Automobile Club de Monaco, Michel Boeri, said earlier this week that a new agreement would be found.
“I would like to refer to what has been reported in the press regarding the possible loss of our slot on the calendar as early as 2023” said Boeri in an event with the commissioners taken up by La Gazette de Monaco.
“It was implied that Liberty Media’s claim to money was excessive for Monaco and that the Grand Prix would no longer be held. This is not true. We are still in the negotiation phase and now we have to sign a new contract ”.
“I can assure you that the GP will continue to take place beyond 2022. I don’t know if it will be a three or five year contract, but this is a detail”.
