F1 races warned no event safe from axe

Gasly, AlphaTauri, Monaco, 2021 — Photo: © LAT Images

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F1 races warned no event safe from axe

F1's growing calendar could put classic races at risk, warns French driver

Will Gray

Thursday 14 April 2022 17:10

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AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly has warned none of F1's existing venues are "safe" from being axed by the sport.

F1 is due to complete a record 23-race calendar this season when a replacement for the axed Russian Grand Prix is announced, with the addition of a new event in Miami boosting the number.

With the announcement of Las Vegas' entry into the schedule for 2023, speculation of the future of F1's more historic races has grown.

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“I don't think these days any grand prix is kind of safe because the popularity [of F1] is so high, everybody wants us," explained Gasly.

"I think it is great to see the new tracks like Miami, Vegas, all these super entertaining places.”

Gasly ‘would sign contract myself’ to keep French Grand Prix

One of the races seemingly at risk is Gasly's home event in France, with Paul Ricard having only returned in 2018 after the sport left the country at the end of 2008.

“I will always support the French Grand Prix and I have a special connection there because the motivation, the energy, the atmosphere is something you only feel in your home," said Gasly.

“I really hope we can see the French Grand Prix over the next few years. Obviously, if it would depend only on myself I'll sign the contract already now, but I'm not sure [F1 boss] Stefano [Domenicali] will allow me to do that!

“We'll see how it goes, but hopefully, we can have a very nice event this season and fingers crossed it's going stick with us, staying on the calendar for the next few years.”