Money
The Formula 1 is hotter than ever, it is immensely popular all around the globe these days. Partly due to the Netflix documentary series “Drive to survive” and other good marketing work by Liberty Media, the owners of the Formula 1.
Many countries want to join the circus and some even want to add a second race in their country. Thailand, South-Africa, Rwanda, Germany, a second race in Saudi Arabia, etc… These are all possibilities. But, there are only 24 weekends on the calendar. So some race venues will have to disappear. And Liberty Media wants less races in Europe.
Spa-Francorchamps is a monument on the calendar, and the favourite course of most of the riders. But that’s not important for Liberty Media. Only money is. And Spa already works at a loss, which is always paid back by the Belgian taxpayer. But more money? That’s not an option for the Belgian politicians.
So, the odds are that 2025 is probably the last race at Spa-Francorchamps in a while…
Sad, but an economic reality!
Sincerely,
Pele23
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
The racing calendar is going to increase the number of races ad expect to see 30 races soon enough. Vietnam already built 3/4 of their circuit before it was placed on hold, Expect more races in the East and US with a street circuit in New York being added.
30 races in a season? That’s madness, logistically and financially for the teams… I don’t see that happening, really
Logistically tis is easy as most teams have 3 complete kits for race days and send them ahead sometimes months in advance. Logistic costs are covered by Liberty Media and if you have 5 races in America alone then there is no lost weeks in between races. You could bundle Vietnam, China, Singapore, Japan and Australia as another group over consecutive weekends and Europe will just lose a few races. The money is in the US and will be their main focus. We just lost 3 weeks after they had already had a month summer break so there is plenty of weekends not being used. Teams just make more money so they will be happy with this.
Darn! Spa-Francorchamps is probably one of the most legendary tracks in the history of motorsport, not just Formula 1! I still remember some great overtakings that are engraved in the F1 history!
You bet, the Raidillon turn is epic, the whole track is… I really hope it can stay on the calendar.