Formula 1 fans have been dreading this announcement for months. Now it’s official: it will be no French Grand Prix in 2023. F1 boss Stefano Domenicali himself stated this to several media outlets. The Italian did not specify whether the race, which has been held since 2018 at the Paul Ricard circuit in Var, could return to the calendar for the following seasons.

Return to the 2022 French Grand Prix ????????

A race with vicissitudes, which ended with the 26th victory @Max33Ferstappen

Thank you all for your persistence during the competition! From the stands to the general enclosure, you set the mood like never before! pic.twitter.com/C2SCfudlSl

— French Grand Prix F1 (@GPFranceF1) July 24, 2022

Formula 1 puts pressure on historic races

The fate of the French Grand Prix, like other historic European races, was as follows publicly threatened for several months. It is mainly about the lack of funds put on the table by these races. Especially in the face of countries and promoters willing to do anything to host F1, such as Saudi Arabia, Las Vegas, Miami or even South Africa, which is expected to appear on the calendar in 2023.

Formula 1 has been trying to go around the roof since the beginning of the season. Officials then spokethe desire to reform reception structures, change the image of these races. But, of course, the central point remains the entrance ticket, which the promoters have to pay at the end. The French Grand Prix is ​​the first victim, but probably not the last. Indeed, it seems that Formula 1 is even ready to separate itself from important races such as the Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps) or even the Monaco Grand Prix.

And even with a record 24-race calendar, Stefano Domenicali’s 2023 target, not everyone will have a place. In Le Parisien, the Italian explains that ” [la F1 veut] find the right balance. At least one third in Europe, one third in the Far East and the other in the Americas/Middle East“.

Dotted presence in future years?

???? FOR YOUR QUESTIONS ????

Returned to school #F1 !

It’s time to resume our traditional Q&A session #RDVau1erVirage !!

I will answer you in a VIDEO on social networks @canalplus before the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend!

YOUR TURN ! ???? pic.twitter.com/YmCdT2g5wj

— Julien FEBREAU (@Julien_FEBREAU) August 23, 2022

After 10-year absence from the calendar, the French Grand Prix returned in 2018 thanks to a push from the local authorities, and in particular the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrozi. The latter even mentioned last June about the possibility of a city race in his city, replacing Paul Ricard.

The long-term future of the French Grand Prix remains to be determined. Formula 1 does not hide its desire to rank rotation system for historical races in the calendar for several seasons. Thus France may return in a few years instead of another European race. Meanwhile, the 2023 calendar will be set next October.

Source: Le Parisien