World champion Max Verstappen has said that Formula One must retain “iconic” tracks like Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps, even if the trend is towards more lucrative streets.
The spa and racetrack Le Castellet in the south of France, where Formula One races this weekend, faces an uncertain future with new venues like Miami, Las VegasJeddah and Doha began scheduling to expand to 24 races.
There has been talk of races, maybe even Monaco, interspersed to make way.
Red Bull’s Verstappen, who is Dutch but born in Belgium, says Country Spa is his favorite and must stay place.
“It’s just a great track to drive… I understand that getting there compared to other tracks can sometimes be a bit more difficult with traffic,” the 24-year-old said.
“I don’t want to see myself in 2028 or anything just driving down city streets just to socialize with fans or whatever.
“I understand everyone wants to make money, but that also has its limits because it’s important to keep these really interesting circuits on the calendar instead of just driving on the street, which I think F1 cars do. not designed anyway.”
The Paul Ricard track at Le Castellet, to the east of Marseille and on a plateau with limited roads, was first held in Formula 1 in 1971.
French driver Pierre Gasly said: “Unfortunately, this year is likely [the French] there’s a big chance. It may not be on the calendar next year. So the important thing will be to enjoy every second of it.
“The sad thing is, on the other hand, Spa is probably my favorite track on the calendar… it’s such a beautiful track, great place to race and I think at the end of the day it’s going to be a loss. loss, a loss. for us as formula one drivers.”
The Spa, the longest running track on the calendar and one of the fastest, has been a part of the championship since 1950, although it has been absent for a number of years.
