Verstappen speaks out: 'Not just on the street circuits'

Formula 1 is more popular than ever. Countries and circuits are queuing up to host a Grand Prix. Reputable circuits could lose their place on the calendar. For the nostalgic fans and drivers, it will take some getting used to.

Identity Influenced

The Spa circuit - always one of the drivers' favourite tracks - does not yet know whether it will host a Grand Prix in 2023. A contract with the FOM is pricey and there are more wealthy circuit owners lurking. It may well be that Spa will disappear from the calendar after this season. There are concerns in the paddock that swapping historic circuits for new ones could affect F1's identity.

To The Race, Max Verstappen says he wants to 'make sure that we do visit proper tracks still, not only street circuits'. His teammate Sergio Perez says some of the new circuits on the calendar 'lack a bit of character.

Sentiment

Formula 1 is also sentiment, the American site notes. “Whether it’s your Monzas or your Spas, your Silverstones, these are tracks we’ve competed at our whole life,” says Daniel Ricciardo. “So there’s also a lot of history, but also it’s kind of nostalgic and sentimental to race there and continue to compete there.”