Silverstone and Monza warned over F1 calendar places

Hamilton en verstappen side to side — Photo: © LAT Images

Formula 1

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Silverstone and Monza warned over F1 calendar places

Interest in hosting F1 races is high as popularity grows

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Friday 21 January 2022 11:45

Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi believes F1's "amazing tracks look a bit old and shabby" and has called on venues such as Monza and Silverstone to remain on "top of their game" to keep a spot on the calendar.

F1's rise in popularity can be seen in the interest taken in hosting grands prix around the world, with a record-breaking 23-race calendar slated for the upcoming season.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali indicated last year there were talks with several interested parties over hosting future events, including in Africa, whilst Qatar has already been confirmed for 2023.

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As per the current Concorde Agreement, the sport has a maximum of 25 races available per calendar year, putting the futures of current venues at risk.

Citing the infrastructure at newer circuits, especially in the Middle East, speaking in an end-of-season interview, Rossi said: "I personally think it's setting the bar high, in terms of infrastructure [and it] makes some venerable, amazing tracks look a bit old and shabby.

"Especially when you are in Abu Dhabi, it's all perfect, it's very nice and they're making the right modifications on the track. I think Abu Dhabi now is much better than it used to be. The drivers certainly like it.

“Perhaps, in Saudi, they went a bit too far because there are high speeds [for a street circuit], so they need to do a bit of…

“In F2, as well as F1, it benefited us, Alpine, most times. F1 we managed to get away from the crashes, there were probably too many crashes.

“That said, I like the take on new tracks, interesting designs, and amazing infrastructure. For me, it's an interesting way of stretching everyone back in the old continent [Europe] to not sleep on your own laurels.

“It's great to be in Monza and Silverstone, and I love those races very much, but you need to stay on top of your game because the others will probably build...

"I guess Miami will try and do the same. They've built something to make sure that if you fall asleep, they'll get the spot.”