Not too long ago, Sebastian Vettel said out loud that the Formula 1 authorities should not sideline a series of historic circuits in the medium term, even though the four-time world champion is not against the appearance of a series of new circuits.
He recalled the importance of F1 maintaining the traditional values of a track list in order to stay close to the historic tracks. Vettel’s idea and comment were later supported by Sergio Pérez, as the Mexican driver said the Grand Circus would lose legendary tracks if they didn’t extend the contracts.
In recent years, F1 has added several new venues, such as Saudi Arabia, with Miami and Las Vegas in the United States coming soon .
The appointment on the east coast of the North American country will be the fifth test of 2022, and will take place at the Miami International Autodrome , from May 6 to 8. The new Las Vegas Grand Prix will enter the F1 calendar from 2023, as one of the night races, but with the exception of being the only one held on a Saturday.
The emergence of new venues in F1 also cannot be separated from filling the racing void due to countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it turns out that not all of these circuits can satisfy the drivers and spectators.
It is enough to look at the comments of Sergio Pérez, who judges that a series of circuits that have recently been used for competition have no character, with a design that is too standard.
In fact, the winner of two grands prix and 16 podium finishes in 216 F1 races since 2011 may not be too thrilled about the way the series is spreading across America (Miami, Las Vegas and Austin) if this means the output of historical tracks.
“First, it’s great that Formula 1 is developing so fast in America. This is an opportunity for F1 and I think everyone can benefit from it,” said the former Sauber, McLaren, Force India and Racing Point veteran.
“But at the same time, it would be great if all parties could preserve the history of this sport. One of them is keeping the historic circuits,” he continued. “Also, all parties need to make sure the new tracks have character, I don’t see that on some of the new circuits I’ve tested recently.
Sergio Pérez’s words are like an alarm after a series of difficulties for those responsible for the circuits when it comes to renewing contracts with cases such as Monaco and Spa-Francorchamps.
The two historical circuits of F1 will expire their agreements at the end of 2022, and although some within the paddock such as Sergio Pérez and Sebastian Vettel are opposed to leaving the calendar, so far, F1 has not said much, except for a few statements from the president of the category, Stefano Domenicali , who expressed that the mythical tracks are not guaranteed their presence in the future.
