Formula 1 has been experiencing a period of great growth in recent years, from various points of view. In fact, the many requests from numerous nations are not new the intention to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix during the season, as well as those that at the end of the contract (like Belgium with Spa) hope to be able to extend their agreement.
F1, so many requests!
Over the course of the year, many countries have approached Liberty Media, volunteering to host a Grand Prix during the season. To date the number of races is 22 – without considering that with Imola and China (both cancelled) would be 24. Due to the Concorde Agreement, the number of possible races to be held within a year is equal 25 and, at least to date, none of the professionals intend to exceed this limit.
The various offers
Among the various possible stages for the future, various names had been circulated: Madrid has been dreaming of a Grand Prix for years, but with the presence of Barcelona it is always very difficult to find an agreement. She was also trying Colombia and especially the South Africa. The last weekend on the African continent dates back to 1993. A lot of years have passed and Formula 1's will was to try to find an agreement for next season, as admitted by the CEO and managing director Stefano himself Sundays"There are areas of the world that want to have Formula 1, and I believe that an area we want to develop is the African one. We are a world championship and this is an area where we are not present".
Hamilton: “One day we will go to Africa”
This news was also received very positively by various riders, especially Lewis Hamilton which has always been promoter to have a GP in Africa: "Personally I like the direction F1 is taking. I have been here, like many people, for a long time. I like the change we are seeing and it's exciting to come to different parts of the world and different circuits. We are on all the other continents, so I hope we go to Africa soon and it will be an extraordinary experience for the whole circus, who will be able to experience the culture of the place."
South Africa-F1, no agreement for 2024
From what filters, and based on what is reported by Motorsport.comit seems however the negotiation between South Africa and Formula 1 is currently on standby. One of the reasons would concern South Africa's very close political relations with Russia. In fact, it seems that the country has supplied weapons to the nation governed by Putin - in conflict with Ukraine for about a year - and that Formula 1 has decided not to go ahead with the negotiation.
No South Africa, renew Spa
With the now certainty that there will not be a weekend in South Africa next year, good news arrives for the track Spa-Francorchamps. From what filters through, it seems that the Belgian Grand Prix has extended his contract in Formula 1 for another year, confirming his presence on the calendar also in 2024, with the number of races expected to be 25.
