Too many races in Europe: Are the Formula 1 classics at Spa-Francorchamps coming to an end?

In recent years Formula 1 has experienced a worldwide boom – interest in the racing series has increased dramatically, especially outside of Europe. So it is not surprising that the reaction of those responsible for the first class. Miami celebrated its premiere this year, followed by another Grand Prix in the United States in Las Vegas in 2023.

A return is also imminent with the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. With 23 races, the current calendar is already a challenge for the teams. There is hardly any improvement in sight in the future, as Formula 1 wants to expand further and, according to some reports, is even approaching the magic figure of 30 races a year.

As is known, this causes little enthusiasm in the racing teams. So, according to the Belgian outlet “Het Laatste Nieuws”, there was a meeting between Formula 1 managing director Stefano Domenicali and the team bosses in Montreal. The calendar should have been limited to 24 races per season.

However, Domenicali only wants to award a third of the competition, that is, eight, to European countries. 16 should definitely be done outside of Europe. On the current racing calendar, Formula 1 has eleven stops in Europe, including Azerbaijan. If that changes indeed, the contracts of Silverstone, Budapest, Imola, Zandvoort, Monza and Barcelona are in effect for the next few years. Monaco and Spielberg also have the best cards, which means that Spa will fall by the wayside.

For nostalgia and drivers that would of course be a bitter loss. The longest track on the current calendar is one of Michael Schumacher’s absolute favorite tracks and has also been in the Formula 1 World Championship since 1950.