The Belgian Grand Prix, scheduled for this weekend, could be the last for a season. Formula 1 has set a limit of 24 races for next season, and Spa could be left off the calendar.
Spa is one of the most popular circuits of the year, thanks to its fast layout and world-famous corners, such as the always difficult Eau Rouge-Radillon, which make it one of the most difficult for drivers to master.
Asked about the possibility of Spa being left off the calendar, Lando Norris acknowledges that it would be “sad” news. “I guess nowadays there are a lot of things that have to do with money. It’s a business.”
Formula 1 will welcome the Qatar and Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023. In addition, the championship is trying to close its return to South Africa, at the Kyalami circuit. The return of the Chinese Grand Prix is also expected, once the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 have been overcome.
But, for these new races to enter, other appointments must first be eliminated from the calendar. It is already known that there will be no French Grand Prix next year, and the Belgian Grand Prix may follow the same path.
It is understood that the future of the Belgian event will depend on F1 managing to close the deal to return to South Africa. If so, Spa would stay out.
“It’s a shame,” Norris said of the possible loss at Spa, which he called “one of the best circuits of the whole season”.
“It’s a historic race for Formula 1. It’s the same as Monaco. As far as I know, they don’t even pay and it’s on the calendar. The same with Monza and so on. I think they should be fixed circuits on the calendar as long as there is the Formula 1”.
Norris has not been the only one to express his disappointment at the possible loss of Spa. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen said last month it would be a “huge shame” if it were removed from the calendar, warning of the drift F1 is taking in preferring to incorporate street circuits exclusively.
Spa has been clear in its willingness to adopt the model already seen in other championship races, placing a strong emphasis on off-track entertainment in order to reach new fans.
Ahead of this year’s race, the circuit has carried out an €80m renovation project. This modification includes a new grandstand at Raidillon, and has alleviated some of the traffic problems that have plagued Spa in recent years.
The circuit has also undergone some adjustments, such as the placement of new barriers and the enlargement of run-offs, in order to reduce safety concerns and make it suitable for hosting motorcycle races.
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