F1 2023 calendar: the agenda is long overdue

The calendar F1 2023 is still pending. Three Grands Prix at the end of their contract (France, Belgium and Monaco) and whose fate has not been resolved, the arrival of Las Vegas, the return of Qatar and South Africa, uncertainty over China, the need to create a logical path to limit travel and meet environmental objectives... Stefano Domenicali's team is grappling with an equation with too many unknowns to respond to requests from the teams, who nevertheless need rapid responses.

A known schedule at the beginning of October?

During a dialogue with Liberty Media investors, the Italian wanted to be reassuring. “ We will come back to you at the beginning of October, with the approval by the World Council of our calendar, he explained. There are discussions to ensure that the schedule is as robust as possible, with an efficient flow in terms of travel. The choice between races in Europe and outside Europe has an effect on income which must be taken into account. » If the distant Grands Prix cost more, they bring in more, hence a clever mix to be determined which should not be to the advantage of the promoters of the old continent. If it is difficult to imagine Monaco falling by the wayside, the concerns relate to France, ready for the alternation, while Belgium still hopes that the unique character of Spa will be sufficient to guarantee its place.

The Belgian promoter would perhaps be wise to take more interest in this alternation, which could become the common lot of European events. “ The main thing is to have an exciting schedule, continues Domenicali. The demand is very, very strong, and it is our responsibility to put in place a suitable schedule for our stakeholders, mainly European, but also capable of responding to the demand to see us a little more around the world. We are finalizing all the details, and it is certain that the signed contracts will bring in more than this year. »

The other big aspect is that of grouping by region in order to avoid unnecessary back and forth with Europe. Simple on paper, the distribution is not in reality, because it must ensure not to put promoters in competition. It is also difficult to imagine a long American tour for example – Miami, Las Vegas, Austin, Montreal, Mexico and São Paulo – since the teams must regularly return to their European bases. The same goes for the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa region from now on. Not easy to solve, but necessary so that the F1 can meet its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2030.

ALSO READ > French Grand Prix, what now?