Formula 1 | F1 stays in Saudi Arabia, Monaco is in danger
Formula 1 has promised discussions with the drivers on this subject but the FOM already seems to announce the color: the sport will be back in Saudi Arabia, according to the sport’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali.
“Formula 1 has promised to reconsider its choices for certain Grands Prix,” indicated Valtteri Bottas during the weekend in Jeddah. “We will have a meeting after this Grand Prix to see how the drivers can be consulted on the choice of destinations in the calendar.
While Domenicali was in Las Vegas this week to announce a third Formula 1 GP in the United States, he played down suggestions that Arabia could lose its event following the meeting.
“We have spoken openly about the fact that this country has certain problems. But I think sport in general and Formula 1 in particular will draw the necessary attention to these problems and give momentum in the right direction.”
“We are not involved in politics but I believe that sport helps a country that wants to change its culture. We have to do our part, so we will stay. We are convinced that together we can shape a better future.”
Saudi Sports Minister Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal meanwhile said the government was ready to give guarantees that Formula 1 teams and drivers would feel safe for the full 10-year contracts already signed. with F1.
With Saudi Arabia looking set to stay, Las Vegas joining the 2023 calendar, Qatar potentially replacing Russia in 2022 before starting their contract in 2023 and China finally returning to F1, there are rumors according to designated Spa, the Paul Ricard and even Monaco could now be in danger.
F1 has promised to announce its strategy for future calendars shortly but on the Monaco side, there is already information that F1 does not wish to extend this Grand Prix beyond 2022! It would be a shock for this historic Grand Prix of the F1 calendar but the complaints about the lack of constant spectacle on this circuit no longer suited to F1 now seem more problematic and important to take into account and they are no longer compensated by the setting and glamor of the Principality.