F1 drivers eager to return to ‘awesome’ Mugello

Leading Formula 1 drivers say they would “love to return” to Mugello in the wake of the circuit’s debut on the calendar last weekend.

The high-speed Ferrari-owned venue was a new addition to the 2020 roster as part of the widespread restructuring of the schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It won praise for its challenging corners, gravel run-offs, and produced a race that featured two stoppages and multiple incidents.

Formula 1 expects to return to a near-normal calendar for 2021, albeit with some alterations due to restrictions, with Australia’s usual season-opener understood to be at risk.

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It means that Mugello, along with Formula 1’s other unexpected 2020 venues, is unlikely to feature on next year’s schedule.

“I personally love it, it was one of the toughest tracks to drive, I think being that it’s medium and high speed but it’s a fantastic circuit,” said race winner Lewis Hamilton.

“I think it’s more old-school with the run-off areas and the gravel so I hope they don’t change that and I would love to come back.”

Valtteri Bottas added: “I think it’s great, I think it should be in the calendar every year.”

Ferrari owns and operates the circuit and its drivers also lauded the event.

“I actually really enjoyed this weekend and the track overall, so yes I would love to have it back on the normal calendar,” said Charles Leclerc.

“Before the race, I was a bit sceptical about how much we could overtake on this track, but after the race, I have to say the overtakes, there have been quite a lot of overtakes. The track is awesome, so yes, I would love to be back.”

“I think it’s a great track, so it would be nice if we were to come back in the future,” concurred Sebastian Vettel.