Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has discarded any chance of replacing the British GP amidst growing concerns over the future of the traditional circuits in the Formula 1 community. During an interview earlier this week, the Italian manager emphasized the importance of the Silverstone course due to its popularity and heritage.
The CEO pointed out how new countries are willing to participate in the prestigious motorsport event, but British GP will not be touched anytime soon. “Silverstone is a very important race,” he said. “Seven teams out of 10 are in the UK.”
The premier motorsport league is going through some inadvertent changes which might alter the very essence of the sport to some of its followers. But Domenicali mentioned the race’s strategic value as well for its immunity.
He added, “The British tradition of motorsport is phenomenal and it has a special place in our calendar and it will always have it. We have a very strong relationship and are looking towards an even longer term and to announce shortly, because it is normal for Formula 1 to be there.”
Silverstone had first been the host for the British Grand Prix in 1950. But it did not become the permanent track for British Grand Prix until 1987. Silverstone has seen multiple drivers claim their victories over the years. Lewis Hamilton has been one of the many with 8 wins at Silverstone alone. With that, the Silverstone track will be on the following year’s calendar and many years after.
The Future of Formula 1
This season there are 23 races on the calendar although Imola Grand Prix had been cancelled. But with 24 races for the 2024 season on the calendar, there is only anticipation on what tracks might lose their spots and which ones will be added.
While the sport grows bigger and bigger, Formula 1 adds newer tracks. Miami, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar found their way onto the calendar. This year Las Vegas has also been added to the calendar. New tracks like South Korea and South Africa search for their spot in Formula 1.
While the Italian stressed, “Removing Silverstone is not an option,” the same cannot be said for most other traditional circuits. A few circuits might lose their spot in the sport while new ones make their mark, which includes some historical names. Monaco Grand Prix is one of them. The circuit has been around since 1950. It found its way to becoming the oldest track in Formula 1. Despite that, speculations over Monaco’s importance have plagued the storied asphalt. While purists want the race to remain, the winds of change have probably started to blow against it. How Formula One will look a decade from now is, frankly, anybody’s guess.