Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, has somewhat dashed the hopes for the immediate reinstatement of the French Grand Prix on the F1 calendar, indicating that significant government support is essential for its comeback.
The racing calendar’s increasing density has edged out the Paul Ricard circuit, which last hosted a Grand Prix in 2022, due to financial constraints.
Jean Alesi, a former F1 racer and the new president at Paul Ricard, approached Domenicali during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka to inquire about the steps necessary to reinvigorate France’s prestigious race.
Domenicali drew a parallel to a marriage in his response to Alesi on Canal Plus, emphasizing, “In a marriage, you must have at least two people who agree.” He further highlighted the necessity for France to recognize the substantial investment required to stage a Formula 1 Grand Prix today.
The Italian executive underlined the critical role of governmental involvement in reviving the French Grand Prix. “I think it can be organised at a central level with the government,” Domenicali advised, suggesting that without state support, the prospect remains largely unfeasible.
He cited Japan as an exemplar, where the Prime Minister and other key stakeholders rally behind their Formula 1 project, showcasing it as an opportunity for national representation on the global stage. “For example, when we come here to Japan, there is the Prime Minister, and then all of the other people who are in the F1 project. Because F1 is a possibility for the country to be represented throughout the world,” Domenicali elaborated, laying out a blueprint for what might be required for France to reclaim its spot on the Formula 1 calendar.
GMM
