The legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit may be absent from the Formula 1 calendar in 2023.
The legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit may be absent from the Formula 1 calendar in 2023.
Last weekend in Montreal, team bosses heard from Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO, the news that the calendar could have a record 24 races next year.
However, there is talk that 16 of those 24 GP's are reserved for events outside of Europe, with F1 exploring new markets in the United States and even Africa.
However, the famous Belgian GP venue may be absent, as the promoters have yet to close a new deal with F1 despite significant renovations to the Eau Rouge section.
According to the newspaper , the first draft of the 2023 calendar is not expected to be published until late summer (in the northern hemisphere).
Correspondent Jo Bossuyt added: "But the plans are gradually becoming clearer, and they don't look good for Spa-Francorchamps."
Bossuyt said the Spa exit looked even more likely after a meeting of the team bosses in Montreal on Saturday afternoon, during which the 2023 calendar was discussed.
"There are only eight places on the calendar for European circuits, and Silverstone, Hungaroring, Barcelona, Imola, Zandvoort and Monza have contracts for 2023," the journalist reported.
"Negotiations with Monaco are still ongoing, and Austria is certainly guaranteed because the circuit is owned by Red Bull. That means eight European dates are already filled."