Lando Norris says the prospect of losing Spa from the Formula 1 calendar in 2023 is “sad”, believing it should stay for ‘as long as the series is around’.
The Belgian Grand Prix takes place this weekend amid uncertainly over its future, as F1 is currently pondering the outlook of next year’s schedule that could reach 24 races.
Spa is widely considered one of the best tracks on the F1 calendar, with its challenging, fast, old-school layout making it a firm favourite among drivers and fans.
But with new events in Qatar and Las Vegas arriving in 2023, as well as the return of the Chinese Grand Prix, Spa is at risk of being outcasted.
“I’ll be sad. I guess a lot of things are just about money nowadays, which is the issue. It’s a business,” Norris said when asked about the thought of Spa dropping of the calendar, as quoted by Motorsport.com.
Spa’s future is understood to be dependant on whether F1’s bid to secure a slot for the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami next year proves successful.
The event is out of contract after this weekend’s race, and while there is widespread support for it to remain on the F1 schedule, it is unknown if a deal will be reached.
Calling Spa “one of the coolest circuits of the whole season”, Norris added: “It’s a shame.
“It’s a historic race for Formula 1. It’s the same as Monaco, from what I know they don’t even pay and it’s on the calendar.
“Same with like Monza and stuff. I feel it should always be on for as long as Formula 1 is around.”
Regining F1 champion Max Verstappen also recently voiced his disapproval of the possibility of Spa disappearing off the calendar, and warned F1 against having too many street circuits on the schedule.
Spa has undergone a major revamp ahead of this year’s race, including a new grandstand placed at Raidillon and an extended run-off to increase safety standards.
Organisers of the event have stressed they are willing to embrace the model seen as other F1 races, as it bids to engage with a wider audience.
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