The Components One chief government, Stefano Domenicali, has warned that races in Europe could have no assure of their place on the game’s calendar in future.
The demand to host F1 is greater than ever and, with state‑backed circuits prepared to pay exorbitant sums of cash, Domenicali rejected requires what are thought of traditional conferences to be ring-fenced as integral to the historical past and attraction of the game.
Domenicali was talking earlier than this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix which has featured in 66 years of the F1 world championship because it started in 1950 and is adored by drivers and followers however stays in discussions to be a bunch past this 12 months. This week Christian Horner, the Pink Bull workforce principal, known as for some traditional European races – together with Silverstone, Spa and Monza – to be ring-fenced as a part of the game’s “DNA”.
Domenicali insisted he believed the calendar mustn’t rise above 24 conferences – the quantity that subsequent season is predicted to succeed in and the game’s present cap as agreed with the groups. Nonetheless with F1 having fun with big reputation that is far outstripped by demand for races.
The Italian, who was previously a workforce principal at Ferrari, mentioned the European market remained a significant a part of F1 plans however the circuits needed to show their place, particularly given they don’t pay as a lot as current additions reminiscent of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
“You may be assured these locations will all the time be a part of the discussions for the long run,” he mentioned. “However that is one thing that additionally on their facet can’t be taken with no consideration, that should you don’t do something you’ll all the time be there. As a result of that’s not proper.
“Monza will probably be a celebration this 12 months of the a centesimal anniversary of the Italian Grand Prix however as an Italian I all the time say to them: ‘Historical past is just not sufficient. We have to make investments for an important future.’ Monza must do their job, they should replace the construction, to replace a spot that’s iconic however there’s a must look forward.”
This 12 months there are 22 races however F1 is in dialogue now to carry a race in South Africa subsequent 12 months alongside extra new conferences in Las Vegas and Qatar and a return for China, if Covid rules enable. The French GP is believed to be already off the schedule however Spa and Monaco stay with out contracts for 2023.
The strain is immense with different circuits having concluded lengthy‑time period offers: Saudi Arabia’s is value a reported £50m per assembly for greater than a decade; Qatar will start its 10-year deal subsequent season, having paid comparable cash; whereas on the finish of final 12 months Abu Dhabi renewed its contract till the top of the last decade.
Domenicali insisted that monetary imperatives wouldn’t dictate the game’s choices. “We’re a enterprise the place investments and monetary contributions are essential. However we now have all the time mentioned that the standard races, the place we all know they can not convey the cash the others are bringing, have full respect from us.”
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