F1: Belgian GP ‘more optimistic’ about race future (Update)

(GMM) Belgian GP promoter Vanessa Maes says she is “much more optimistic” about the clouded future of Formula 1’s fabled annual race at Spa-Francorchamps.

In February, we reported that Maes was in Bahrain during pre-season testing for meetings with Formula 1 authorities about the event’s expiring contract.

But after that, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is understood to have travelled to Vietnam for advanced race talks – triggering rumors it or Kyalami in South Africa could replace Spa in 2024.

“It is clear that places on the calendar are expensive,” Maes said in late February. “It was already very difficult for this year.”

However, she is suddenly now “much more optimistic” about Spa’s F1 future.

“A delegation from the Formula 1 group came by this month,” she has now told Het Laatste Nieuws. “For two days, they looked at what we have changed at the circuit to make the next grand prix an even greater success than in 2022.

“We are convinced that Spa Francorchamps now fully meets the specifications of Formula 1. We fulfil all of the conditions.

“Soon, a new meeting is planned,” Maes added.

It is believed the terms of a two-race contract extension are being discussed.

(GMM) Belgian GP promoter Vanessa Maes hopes to secure Spa-Francorchamps’ future on the Formula 1 calendar “in the weeks and months to come”.

It is one of the most historic and loved traditional stops on the grand prix schedule, but F1’s soaring popularity means rival promoters are keen to out-bid Spa for one of the coveted spots on the annual calendar.

The current contract expires after this year’s Belgian GP in late July.

“It is clear that places on the calendar are expensive,” Maes told the Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

“It was already very difficult for this year. We showed that we did an excellent job in 2022 but we also must look to the future.

“Formula 1 has presented us with their vision for the future and, very clearly, we tick all the boxes. F1 is also happy to know that we are supported by our country’s political leaders.

“In the weeks and months to come, we hope to sign for the next few years. We’re doing everything for that,” she added.

Maes was speaking in Bahrain, where the sport’s other current race promoters met with Formula 1 officials.

“We are obviously closer to the other European grands prix, but the promoters from the Middle East ask us a lot of questions,” she said.

“It was very important to be here because it allows us to see the other promoters, the journalists and Formula One Management. It is in these kinds of situations that we can move the discussions forward.”