Circuit Paul Ricard has mostly been the battleground of unspectacular Grands Prix in recent years. In 2021, however, an exciting strategic battle took place between Red Bull Racing and Mercedes, and the new rules of 2022 also provided more spectacle on Sunday. Can the French Grand Prix still be saved or is the Formula One calendar better off without the race?
Several European circuits are in danger of making way for more exotic locations that will pay dearly for a place on the F1 calendar. The possible cancellation of Circuit Paul Ricard will probably be the least regretted, as Spa-Francorchamps and Monaco are both traditional and much-loved venues among drivers and fans.
Circuit Paul Ricard has less of that appeal, but does that also mean that it would be better to scrap the French Grand Prix to make way for Kyalami in South Africa or another venue? Or will that also be a sign that Formula 1 is starting to slip through Europe's fingers?