The Method One chief govt, Stefano Domenicali, has warned that races in Europe may have no assure of their place on the game’s calendar in future.
The demand to host F1 is increased than ever and, with state‑backed circuits prepared to pay exorbitant sums of cash, Domenicali rejected requires what are thought of basic 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 yr. This week Christian Horner, the Crimson Bull crew principal, known as for some basic 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 recognition that is far outstripped by demand for races.
The Italian, who was previously a crew principal at Ferrari, stated 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 resembling Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
“You will be assured these locations will all the time be a part of the discussions for the longer term,” he stated. “However that is one thing that additionally on their aspect can’t be taken as a right, that in case you don’t do something you’ll all the time be there. As a result of that isn’t proper.
“Monza will probably be a celebration this yr of the one 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 a terrific 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 yr there are 22 races however F1 is in dialogue now to carry a race in South Africa subsequent yr alongside further new conferences in Las Vegas and Qatar and a return for China, if Covid rules permit. The French GP is believed to be already off the schedule however Spa and Monaco stay with out contracts for 2023.
The stress 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 related cash; whereas on the finish of final yr Abu Dhabi renewed its contract till the tip 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’ve all the time stated that the standard races, the place we all know they can’t deliver the cash the others are bringing, have full respect from us.”