Jul.19 (GMM) Spa-Francorchamps is already lobbying Formula 1 to restore its permanent place on the calendar despite only recently agreeing to an alternating contract.
Under the current arrangement, the Belgian GP is guaranteed a place in 2027, 2029 and 2031, alternating with Barcelona.
But circuit chairman Melchior Wathelet says the ultimate goal remains a return to an annual race.
“We are holding talks with Formula 1 leadership and emphasising the historical importance of this race,” he told NOS.
“F1 has been racing here since 1950. We have always been there.”
Wathelet says the drivers are firmly behind Spa’s campaign. “Max Verstappen and the other drivers are on our side,” he insisted.
“They want to keep racing here because they think it is a fantastic track. I always say it too – we are the cleanest, or rather the most attractive, circuit in the world.
“But just being the most beautiful is no longer enough.”
Although admitting 2028 appears unlikely, he is still hoping Spa can return in 2030. “We stand little chance in 2028, but we are doing everything to make 2030 happen after that.
“That is actually a must – it marks our anniversary. Our country will be 200 years old.”
Beyond that, he wants the rotation system scrapped altogether. “We just want an annual Grand Prix again and a long-term contract.
“That is what we are aiming for. It is my job to get as much out of it as possible. We won’t get it handed to us on a silver platter, but I am doing everything to convince the F1 leadership.”
Belgian Formula 1 legend Jacky Ickx agrees.
“Liberty Media is doing an incredible job with F1, and we can see it in the ever-growing audience and the expansion of this sport around the world,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“But a circuit like Spa deserves to remain on the calendar every year, especially since it’s not easy to manage the costs of a GP with alternating seasons.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also backed the historic venue.
“The Belgian GP was already there in 1950, as were Monza, Silverstone and Monaco,” he told RTBF.
“Spa is fantastic. The people are so kind. It’s an important race on the calendar.”
“Stefano Domenicali will always make an effort to keep it on the calendar, but there’s a financial reality. Although I’m not going to get into the politics.
“I have my opinion on the performance of the European industry.”
Wathelet also believes Spa’s future extends well beyond Formula 1.
“If he stops F1, I will regret it, but in 30 years he will still be driving here,” he said of Verstappen. “I am sure of that.
“He loves motorsport and this is his favourite circuit, so he will always keep coming here. In any car or racing class.”
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