OFFICIAL: No French F1 Grand Prix in 2023

No surprise at the announcement, by Stefano Domenicali, of the absence of the French Grand Prix Formula 1 from 2023. The signals and other hidden comments, for months in the media, were clearly showing unease. It's now official.

Once again, the French Grand Prix therefore disappears from the Formula 1 calendar, with absolutely no guarantee of return in the future, nor even an alternation or rotation agreement as sometimes mentioned in order to alleviate the penalty. Despite everything, for the sake of form, Domenicali declared that “ we are discussing with the French Federation, and with the government, because more and more the future is linked to the promoters who see this (the holding of a Grand Prix. Editor’s note) as an investment for the country. Discussions are therefore very open for a bright future. And as you know, one possibility could be to find some sort of rotation proposal that would allow everyone to be part of the schedule. Because I think it's a question of respect"

Of respect certainly, but above all of money. After 18 years of absence and 4 editions held since 2018 at the Circuit Paul-Ricard, a Manufacturers team (Alpine), two pilots (Pierre Gasly et Esteban Ocon), an official broadcaster (Canal+), a sold-out ticket office and an average of 1,2 million fans in front of their television during each Grand Prix, the French event has therefore failed to prove its relevance...

Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, is aiming for the best financial results for the discipline. DPPI credit

Formula 1 is currently riding on its popularity and making its organizers pay dearly for it, so much so that other historic destinations are also in the sights and could disappear soon. We think of Belgian Grand Prix, as well as Monaco or Monza in Italy, whose quality of installations is singled out. From then on, the European rounds will have to make way for more exotic – and not historical – destinations willing to pay tens of millions of additional euros to perfect their commercial image. “ We want to find the right balance, with at least one third in Europe, one third in the Far East, and the other in America and the Middle East.“continued Stefano Domenicali. “ We want a race in Africa, we will clarify this situation in the coming days“. The Kyalami track, in South Africa, holding the rope… lack of competition on this continent.

With the announced returns of China, Qatar and possibly Germany following the announcements of the arrival of Porsche et Audi (in addition to Mercedes already present), a third Grand Prix in the United States from next year (Las Vegas in addition to Miami and Austin), it will indeed be necessary to make room. Especially since the calendar “ will not exceed 24 races per year“, says the CEO of Formula 1. In 2023 only? Because here again, the plan has always been clear to ramp up to 25 races as quickly as possible.

Formula 1 is growing, both popularly and financially, and that is to be welcomed in a sense. But beware of backlash: cutting yourself off from your base is a dangerous game in the long term, and the house of cards can quickly collapse. Unless the ambition of the current owner of Formula 1, Liberty Media, is only in the short or medium term before its sale to a new shareholder. Which would make sense...

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