Between Belgium and France, the hearts of pilots swing

While the future of the Belgian and French Grands Prix is ​​uncertain for the years to come in the calendar of the Formula 1, drivers were asked to position themselves between the two during Thursday's press conference at the Paul-Ricard circuit. A not so obvious choice to make for some. “I'm in France, so I should say the French Grand Prix, joked Guanyu-Zhou. It's not really up to me to decide where the Formula 1 should go over the next few years. I'll let the right people do it." preferred to kick the Chinese pilot into touch. Nicholas latifi abounded in this sense. “It’s not up to me to be precise, but if I had to choose the circuit I prefer, it would be Spa”, admitted the Canadian despite everything.

Lando Norris didn't even take the time to weigh the pros and cons. “Spa, easy, said the Briton, smiling. My mother comes from Belgium, I am half Flemish so I have more links with this Grand Prix, obviously. » Sebastian Vettel neither did he hesitate before giving his answer. “Spa. The circuit is incredible and it would be a shame to lose it. The one at Paul-Ricard is not as good, and I don't think it has many fans among the drivers. However, it was also a nice surprise. We didn't come in 2020, but the atmosphere in 2019 was incredible. The national anthem here was one of the highlights. So it would also be a shame to lose that, but maybe we can choose another circuit in France. There are other incredible tracks. » Asked about a return to Magny-Cours, the German preferred to mention Le Mans and even Dijon.

A personal attachment to Castellet

To Charles Leclerc, making a choice between Belgium and France is not so obvious. “For the character of the track, Spa. As a track, I prefer this circuit. But I have a lot of links here (at Paul-Ricard), I started karting an hour from here, so it's hard to say. » Pierre Gasly also took part in his national Gran Prix: “I love France, I want to drive in my country in front of my fans and supporters. I have always supported this Grand Prix more than anyone. On the other hand, Spa is my favorite track, an incredible place. It would be sad to lose Spa, but France would be my priority. »

To Fernando Alonso, a race in France also has sentimental value. “I pilot for Alpine, a French stable, admits the Spaniard. I have very strong links with France since I won two championships with Renault. I live in Monaco, it is also easier for me to come to Paul-Ricard than to Spa, even if both places gave me excellent memories. »  On the side of Sergio Pérez and Lewis Hamilton, neither wanted to choose between the two. Finally, Mick Schumacher took the opportunity to preach for his parish by designating a third Grand Prix. The one from Germany. “On the Nordschleife? » Lewis Hamilton jokingly retorted.

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