Local governments are backing efforts to save the Belgian Grand Prix. It is now widely accepted in the paddock that the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit may fall victim to the expansion of Formula 1 into new markets such as Las Vegas and South Africa.
Local governments are backing efforts to save the Belgian Grand Prix. It is now widely accepted in the paddock that the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit may fall victim to Formula 1's expansion into new markets like Las Vegas and South Africa.
"The sport is growing so much that there are many new places that I think are paying a lot of money to be part of Formula 1," said Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz.
"I understand that France or Spa might not be able to be on the calendar every year, but I hope that at least we can go there every two years or every three years," he added.
The local government of Wallonia, and also the federal government of Belgium, have already written a joint letter in support of Spa-Francorchamps to Formula 1. Not only that, Economy Minister Willy Borsus said that a meeting between the government, the circuit and Formula 1 authorities took place earlier this week.
He said he is "personally involved" in the effort, as is Walloon Minister-President Elio di Rupo and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo. A decision on the fate of the Belgian GP is said to be imminent, with Borsus insisting that Spa-Francorchamps "still has a future in Formula 1."