Can the French Grand Prix return to the Formula 1 calendar? Two years after the last edition, on the Paul-Ricard circuit, won by Max Verstappen, F1 boss Stefano Domenicali addressed the subject again at the microphone from Canal +.
If the president of Formula One Group clearly underlined that France was “a very important country” in the history of the premier automobile category, Stefano Domenicali regretted a lack of investment on the French side. “In a marriage, at least two people must always agree. We had an incredible race at the Paul-Ricard circuit two years ago, but we have to find the right solution. We must find interest on the French side, for your country to understand that a significant investment is needed which must be organized centrally at government level,” lamented the former boss of the Scuderia.
“When we work with other countries, we have prime ministers, kings…”
Returning between 2018 and 2022, the French Grand Prix was not on the program for last season or for the 2024 vintage. The 2025 calendar is not yet fixed, but the places are almost all requisitioned for the current GPs. The three not yet sure of being there due to lack of contract (Monza, Silverstone, Suzuka) have too important a symbolic value to disappear for the benefit of France.
“In a marriage, you have to have at least 2 people who agree. » 👀
Can we hope for a return of the French Grand Prix?🇫🇷
Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali responds 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/LMMZPNQ83s
— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) April 5, 2024
However, in recent years, many Grand Prix have managed to find a place for themselves, such as Las Vegas, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The 58-year-old leader explains this by the involvement of local governments. “When we work with other countries, we have prime ministers, kings, involved in the organization of the Formula 1 Grand Prix. They understand that we allow them to have global visibility with business and marketing opportunities. “welcome new visitors,” he warned.
A message directly sent to the French government. In July 2023, the President of the Republic was not opposed to a return of F1 to the territory, seeing it as “an issue of attractiveness”. A mission launched by the mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi was even accepted by the Élysée. No news since.