F1 set to drop legendary Spa-Francorchamps race

Jun.21 (GMM) The legendary Formula 1 circuit at Spa-Francorchamps is tipped to be missing from the 2023 calendar.

On the sidelines in Montreal last weekend, team bosses heard F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali’s news that the schedule could be set to grow yet again – to a record 24 races next year.

“It’s not a big difference between 24 or 23 or 22,” said Alfa Romeo team boss Frederic Vasseur.

A full 16 of those 24 races, however, are said to be set aside for grands prix outside of Europe, as Formula 1 mines new markets in the US and even Africa.

However, the famous Belgian GP venue at Spa could be missing, as the promoters are yet to agree a new deal with Formula 1 despite significant upgrades around the fabled Eau Rouge section.

Alpha Tauri boss Franz Tost, however, has no time for sentimentality.

“It’s totally easy,” said the Austrian. “No money, no game.

“If they have the money, we go there. If we don’t have the money, we don’t go there.”

According to the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper, the first published draft of the 2023 calendar is not expected until the end of the summer.

Correspondent Jo Bossuyt added: “But the plans are slowly becoming clearer, and they don’t look good for Spa-Francorchamps.”

Bossuyt said Spa’s axe sounded even more likely following a meeting of F1 team bosses in Montreal on Saturday afternoon, during which the 2023 calendar was discussed.

“There are only 8 places on the calendar for European circuits, and Silverstone, Budapest, Spain, Imola, Zandvoort and Monza all have contracts for 2023,” the journalist added.

“Negotiations are still underway with Monaco, and Austria will certainly be fine as the circuit is owned by Red Bull. That means the eight European dates are already filled.”

Steve Cole

Share
Published by
Steve Cole

Recent Posts

Hulkenberg still a 'silly season' player – Schumacher

Jun.10 (GMM)  Nico Hulkenberg could find himself with a starring role in a future round…

4 months ago

F2 driver says new fans don't understand racing

Jun.9 (GMM) Many new fans of top-level single seater racing do not understand "how motorsport…

4 months ago

Newey attracting talent to Aston Martin – de la Rosa

Jun.9 (GMM) The 'Adrian Newey effect' is already happening at Aston Martin, according to team…

4 months ago

Stroll in 'good condition' for Canadian GP

Jun.9 (GMM) Lance Stroll looks set to return to the wheel of his Aston Martin…

4 months ago

Hamilton will 'maybe not' win eighth title

Jun.9 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton's hopes of an eighth world championship are slipping away. That's the…

4 months ago

Three F1 stars predict Piastri title in '25

Jun.9 (GMM) Three former Formula 1 drivers agree that Oscar Piastri has become the clear…

4 months ago