Following on from recent reports that the Belgian Grand Prix was set for the axe from the Formula 1 calendar for 2023, the Spa-Francorchamps boss has revealed that talks are “going well” with FOM, raising hopes that the famous race will remain on the calendar.
Spa has undertaken a number of changes since last season’s washout, with developments having been made to make the circuit safer for drivers and more enjoyable for fans.
The circuit organisers have recently explained that they were told that the GP wasn’t “entertaining enough”, resulting in the venue taking inspiration from the “American way” of hosting an event.
With this in mind, fans look set for the best Belgian Grand Prix ever, with a party atmosphere expected across the weekend.
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Heavy rain is again forecast for the weekend, giving off somewhat Deja vu vibes to last season.
However, the circuit has upgraded its drainage systems, giving hope that should it rain heavily (looking likely) the race won’t be affected in the same way as last year.
The circuit really has pulled out all the stops to remain on the calendar, something Lando Norris and Sebastian Vettel have demanded must happen.
A large number of drivers have expressed their opinion that Spa must remain on the calendar, with it being one of the most famous races in the championship.
Spa boss Vanassa Maes has given some information on the dialogue between the venue and the FOM, with the circuit hoping to claim one of the 25 spots on next year’s calendar.
“The negotiations with FOM are going well,” Maes insisted to De Telegraaf newspaper.
“There are only 25 places on the calendar and everyone is pulling out all the stops to win a grand prix next year. Spa-Francorchamps is a historic and mythical circuit and we want to show that we embrace the future.”
Should Spa be dropped, then F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali may go into hiding!
The sport’s CEO would become an incredibly unpopular man should one of the most historic races on the calendar be removed, so that another ‘money maker’ race could take its place.
The former Ferrari team principal is adamant that he’s not “selling the soul” of the sport, despite welcoming countries with more money to offer.
“I’m not selling the soul of Formula 1,” he told Sport Bild.
“It’s just normal change.
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“We are opening up to the whole world,” Domenicali added, referring to F1’s newest races in oil-rich countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia and exciting contemporary destinations such as Miami and Las Vegas.
“Money is important everywhere – also for us,” the Italian admitted. “But we don’t just look at money. The overall package has to be right.
“If we only looked at the bank account, the calendar would definitely look different,” Domenicali told the German magazine.