Esteban Ocon acknowledged the possibility of the French GP leaving Formula 1 after confirmation of new races next year, but maintains hope of racing at home again in 2023
Esteban Ocon is concerned about a possible exit of the French GP from the Formula 1 calendar. The category's contract with the Paul Ricard track ends this year, after the July race, and the future of the venue is still uncertain due to the large number of stages scheduled for next year. In addition to the second race in Miami, F1 will have the debut of Las Vegas, the return of China, and the first race of a ten-year contract in Qatar.
Thus, Ocon acknowledged that France's chances of remaining on the calendar are not encouraging. The driver said he is following the negotiations to keep the race, but hopes to enjoy the race this year in case it is his last for some time in Formula 1.
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"It's true, so far it's not on the calendar. Obviously, I'm following the talks and seeing what will happen, but it doesn't look very good," Ocon admitted. "It's very disappointing. I lived my younger career without racing there, and then they came back. I was very lucky to race there, but we still have this year and we will make the most of it, that's for sure," he said.
However, even with Ocon's concern, there is the expectation that some historical events of the category - threatened by the entry of new tracks in the calendar - will remain in the Formula 1 schedule with some changes in the planning. And if it is up to Ocon, that is exactly what will happen.
"That's good news," Ocon responded when he heard about the idea. "I think there are countries that we have to race. France is part of that, Belgium is part of that, Monaco is part of that. We should keep those races special for us and see what we do with the rest," he finished.
Before thinking about the French GP, Formula One makes its next stop in Baku between June 10 and 12 for the Azerbaijan GP. Before the race in Paul Ricard, F1 will go through Canada, England, and Austria.