Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he “will always prefer” historic circuits over the current fleet of new venues, like the Miami International Autodrome.
Silverstone and Monza are two of the tracks which “will always be special” in Hamilton’s eyes, with the Formula 1 calendar nowadays becoming increasingly filled by new venues.
Whilst he prefers the older venues, the Mercedes driver is loving seeing the pinnacle of motorsport visit new places, with him labelling going to new circuits as “exciting”.
“I like the change that we’re seeing. It’s exciting coming to different parts of the world and different circuits”, Hamilton said.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Hamilton actually played a role in F1 adding Miami to the calendar, with him now pushing for the return of the South African Grand Prix.
The 103-time race winner has stressed how much he’d love to race in Africa, with South Africa in particular having not hosted an F1 race since 1993.
There are talks, though, about South Africa returning to the calendar potentially as soon as next season, at the legendary Kyalami.
Whilst one historical venue looks set to re-join the calendar, others are at risk of being axed.
Monza and Spa in particular are two venues which have been at risk of being dropped for a few years now, with the future of both races being uncertain.
Monza’s current deal to host the Italian Grand Prix is due to expire in 2025, whilst Spa’s current deal to host the Belgian Grand Prix expires this season.
The Grand Prix’s organisers are confident of a new multi-year deal, though, which will likely be discussed when the Belgian GP takes place later in the season.
READ: Stefano Domenicali breaks silence on calls for FIA to end Red Bull’s success
If Hamilton had it his way, all the old venues would remain on the calendar; however, he noted that the likes of Miami will be referred to as a “historic circuit” to some in “30 years time”.
“Of course, I love all the older circuits and I will always prefer the older circuits,” Hamilton said.
“Maybe in 20 years, 30 years time, some kid will see [Miami] as a historic circuit but this is new for us. But all the old classics like Hungary and Silverstone and the Zandvoort circuit and Monza, they will always be special.”