F1
Charles Leclerc in favor of France's return to the F1 calendar
© Antonin Vincent / DPPI
In front of a large crowd, guests took turns this Saturday at the Paul Ricard circuit. Among them, Alain Prost, Jacques Villeneuve, David Coulthard, Franck Montagny and Frédéric Vasseur and Charles Leclerc, as representatives of the stable Ferrari, were able to revive some memories for the most part. At the wheel of a Ferrari 330 P4, Jean Alesi was able to enjoy a lap of the track alongside the Monegasque.
Interviewed on the sidelines of the event, the Scuderia driver was keen to highlight the constant enthusiasm of the French public. "It's incredible to see so many people, so much passion for cars. It proves how important a French GP is F1 would have its place again, he commentedHearing the sound of V10 engines again is also unique, I hope we will see them again in F1 in the future. And then Jean's lap of the circuit as a passenger in a Ferrari P4 was a really special moment."
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The return of a Grand Prix to France is not on the F1 program
Historically, France has hosted Formula 1 numerous times over the years. At Reims, Rouen, Le Mans, Dijon, Magny-Cours, and more recently at Le Castellet, this event was withdrawn from the World Championship after the 2022 season. Stefano Domenicali, then CEO of Formula 1, announced this decision in August of that year. “History is not enough” the Italian then launched at the time of his announcement three years ago.
Today, debates surrounding the evolution of the official F1 calendar are in full swing. Although the Madring, located on the outskirts of the Spanish capital, is set to host a race for the first time in 2026, discussions in recent months have focused primarily on replacing certain dates in favor of Asia and Africa in particular.
Among the most advanced candidates, South Africa, Rwanda, and Thailand appear to be the most credible at this stage. Conversely, tracks like Imola and Barcelona could well see their final years as early as the 2026 season.
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Little Pimousse
28/04/2025 at 09:30 a.m.
Frankly, while he was at Le Castellet and questioned on the issue, what else do you expect Charles Leclerc to say other than that he wants the return of a Grand Prix to France? I'm not saying he doesn't want it, but what other answer could he have given? Unfortunately, despite the enthusiasm (I was at Le Castellet this weekend), we simply don't have the means to host such an event because the cost of the grid is just prohibitive. Even Monaco, with all its history, had to fight and make concessions to extend its F1 contract, so the French GP clearly has no chance in the short or medium term.
Yves-Henri RANDIER
27/04/2025 at 06:03 a.m.
Wishful thinking! France and its public finances in a very advanced state of disrepair clearly have other priorities than continuing to increase the public deficit that we are leaving to our children and grandchildren. And yet, after discovering motorsport at Reims Gueux in 1969 and then at Rouen Les Essarts in the 70s, I then attended the French GP at Le Castellet and Magny-Cours, saw races at Le Mans and at the Bugatti in the era of the F3000 before driving at La Châtre, Dijon and Pau Arnos. I cannot be described as a non-enthusiast but I do not believe for a single second in the return of F1 to France!
Navel
27/04/2025 at 05:05 a.m.
It's definitely a GP that has made history, it's a shame we had Castellet for the last few editions.
Alain Féguenne (Luxembourg)
27/04/2025 at 04:45 a.m.
I sincerely hope that France will have a F1 GP again. Thanks to people like Jean Alesi, Alain Prost, and many others...France deserves it. If so, I will be there...😎👀👍 I am convinced that it will happen, and the organization of the Historic French GP is fantastic... When you see the enthusiasm of the public...it is simply fabulous. Long live the...🇫🇷.😎👍