Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has suggested that the Belgian Grand Prix may remain on the calendar beyond the 2022 event.
Spa-Francorchamps’ deal to host the race expires after this year, and it currently doesn’t have an agreement in place to host a grand prix in 2023.
The circuit is a fan favourite of drivers and fans alike and has been present on the F1 schedule since the beginning of the World Championship.
Next year, Las Vegas and Qatar will join the calendar, while new events have recently been added in Saudi Arabia and Miami.
The growing number of new locations has placed doubt over some current events staying on the calendar, leading to fears that Spa could drop off the schedule when its contract expires at the end of the year.
However, Domenicali has refused to rule out Belgium returning in 2023.
“As you can imagine I can’t comment too much on that [2023 calendar] because there is respect of discussion and formalizing through the World Motor Sport Council with the FIA,” he said.
“Just two things on that – I saw some comments that I said Belgium will be the last year [in 2022] – I would be prudent on that comment, I would be very prudent, that’s the only thing I would say.”
Domenicali says that F1 is looking to have a balanced spread of races across several continents on its schedule going forward.
“It’s true that we are working and discussing with other promoters to see if they’re ready for a full commitment already this year or next year,” he said.
“But I would say the balance that has always been a point that we have discussed is to find the mix of races where we’re going to have at least one third in Europe, one third in the Far East area and the other one in the Americas and Middle East.
“So we want to be balanced. Of course, we are talking about a business where investments and financial contributions are very important.
“But we have always said that the traditional races – the races that we know can’t bring the money that others are bringing – have full respect from us.
“You will see [there] will be respect also, not only this year, but also in the future. With Belgium the discussions are still ongoing.”
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