Formula 1: Warning sign indicated by future calendar change

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The contract for the Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps was scheduled to end after the next race in 2022. But surprisingly, a new agreement has been made that extends its presence on the calendar until 2031 – with a catch: the race will not be held in 2028 or 2030.

This kind of agreement might be unique since many events scheduled now don’t have a guaranteed slot past the next season. If these agreements get renewed, it’s likely that European races may negotiate long-term contracts with similar arrangements – gaps on the schedule.

The primary motivation for rotating F1 races in Europe stems from the competition between multiple locations and the scarcity of available slots on the schedule. Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 CEO, mentioned that this is a trend we can expect to continue as it fosters growth within the sport and guarantees that Grand Prix venues are top-notch.

But the Belgian Grand Prix’s new contract is a warning sign for others.

Yearly, when Formula 1 visits Spa, drivers typically deliver one of the finest races of the year. The 2024 event served as a notable illustration, with drivers adopting various strategies, and George Russell claiming first place following a single pit stop. However, his car was later found to be underweight by the FIA post-race, resulting in Lewis Hamilton being awarded the victory instead.

Observing an iconic track like Spa being assigned a rotating calendar position should undeniably cause concern among other Grand Prix venues about their own longevity within the sport. Tracks in Hockenheim and Istanbul are aiming to reappear on the schedule in forthcoming seasons, with more potential contenders emerging, suggesting that existing tracks could also find themselves without race dates in certain upcoming years.

By taking such a bold step, the expectation level for every event venue is significantly elevated. Although certain venues might excel in terms of facilities and fan engagement across the series, others might fall short. This approach should prompt event organizers to invest wisely, ensuring they can match and surpass the benchmark.

One significant concern arises from the aspect of ticket costs: spectators have been vocal about escalating prices for quite a while, and their concerns are valid. There’s a widespread apprehension that if venues invest further in circuit development without ensuring annual races, ticket prices might increase at an alarming rate.

There could be numerous varying results once rotating races in Europe commence. The recent signing of the Belgian Grand Prix contract might mark the beginning, and it’s likely to pique the interest of other Grand Prix locations as Formula 1 gears up for a possible significant schedule overhaul within the next two to four years.

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2025-01-21 14:32