Formula One has announced the arrival of numerous additions to the 2023 calendar over recent months, and while many are celebrating the changes others are fretting over the potential of losing some classic circuits next year.
With the addition of Miami (2022), Las Vegas (2023), Qatar (in 2021), and the return of the Australian Grand Prix, some European locations are likely at risk of being dropped.
The current agreement with teams means there can be a max of 24 races in a season, but 2023 would exceed that if you added all current races with the latest additions – and drivers aren’t happy about the potential of losing some key circuits.
Speaking to Autosport this week, AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly spoke about the potential of losing arguably the most iconic track in Formula 1 history – Monaco.
Monaco’s F1 contract expires after this year’s race and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has said that even classic circuits need to earn their spot each year.
Speaking about the potential of waving goodbye to Monaco in 2023, Gasly said: “That would be a bit of a shocker if Monaco gets taken out of the calendar.
“It’s probably the most iconic race in the world.
“Talking to non-F1 fans, everyone had heard about Monaco for various reasons, whether it’s racing, whether it’s party-related, whether it’s all of the action that happens around the grand prix. It’s a very iconic weekend.
“I think, and I really hope, we get to experience it as drivers because it’s probably the toughest track of the season, the most challenging, and is my favourite one.”
In light of the principalities contract expiring after 2022, the Automobile Club de Monaco’s president, Michel Boeri, said they’re working on a new deal being drawn up this week.
“I’d like to refer to what has been read in the press, where it is said that we may struggle to keep organising Grand Prix races beyond the 2022 event, so as early as next year,” Boeri said speaking to La Gazette de Monaco.
“It was implied that the fees required by Liberty Media were too excessive for Monaco and the Grand Prix would no longer be held.
“That’s untrue. We are still in talks with them and must now seal the deal with a contract.
“I can guarantee you that the grand prix will keep taking place beyond 2022. I don’t know if it will be a three- or five-year contract, but that’s a detail.”
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