Vanessa Maes, head of the Belgian GP, has played down claims that Spa-Francorchamps is off the 2023 Formula 1 calendar.
Vanessa Maes, head of the Belgian GP, has played down claims that Spa-Francorchamps is off the 2023 Formula 1 calendar.
"I would very much like to know the source," she stated to . "I have heard this information and the FIA has assured me that there is no provisional calendar circulating among the teams. It is pure speculation."
"There are definitely talks - that is true. We are approaching the end of our contract, as are Monaco and Le Castellet, and we are still negotiating an extension."
In fact, she confirms that a delegation representing the Belgian GP had talks with F1 at Silverstone.
"All I can say is that it was positive," Maes said. "They are aware of the improvements we made to the track last winter and we also showed them our plans to add more entertainment to this year's event."
She also spoke personally with Stefano Domenicali, F1's CEO.
"He told me he wanted a future with Spa-Francorchamps, but he could not yet say how or what. I have confidence in that and we should know in a few weeks, usually before our race at the end of August."
"Even if China and South Africa are confirmed, there could still be one or two places. So there is no reason to panic and I will keep the confidence. Spa-Francorchamps is part of F1 history."