Historic circuits warned: 'That's not enough for F1 calendar'

By 2023, Formula 1 wants to have 24 Grands Prix on the calendar. F1 also had that in mind for 2023, but again the Chinese Grand Prix could not go ahead. The top man of the motorsport's royal class is happy with the number of races, but is still aiming for a race in Africa. However, the Kyalami circuit would again be unable to get its finances in order, leaving Spa-Francorchamps on the calendar for longer. The Kyalami circuit confirmed to GPblog that it still wants to do everything possible to be on the F1 calendar in 2024.

Character of F1 circuits

Domenicali warns though. The F1 chief says that the history of the circuit does not guarantee a place on the F1 calendar. ''To be arrogant and believe that you have a granted future because you had a race since 100 years, to be very honest is not enough,'' Domenicali reveals, according to Motorsportweek.com knows.

Besides a beautiful circuit, an event must also meet the requirements of the FOM. New races are taking up more and more places, so it is becoming increasingly difficult for historic events to compete with them. Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia all struck long-term deals, where Spa-Francorchamps and Monaco have to fear for their future.

F1 wants to go around the world and preferably visit all continents. Africa is still missing, where Europe is well represented. So chances are that events in Europe will be critically scrutinised. Money plays a role, but so does character. ''Every race – not only in America – has a different personality, different quality, different segmentation of fans,'' Domenicali said. So a race has to come up with a clear plan of what those characteristics are and what it adds to the existing calendar.