Belgium's place on F1 calendar still open, says Domenicali

LONDON: The Belgian Grand Prix's Formula One future after Sunday's race is yet to be decided but reports of its demise may be premature, the sport's chief executive Stefano Domenicali indicated on Wednesday (Aug 24).

The 2023 calendar is due to be published in October and is set to feature a record 24 rounds, with a question mark hanging over old favourites like Belgium's race at Spa-Francorchamps.

Germany has lost its grand prix and France could follow, while even Monaco's continuation as the historic showcase race has been the subject of speculation amid talk of alternation.

Asked in a video call with reporters on Wednesday about the balance between races held in and outside Europe and whether this year could see the last Belgian Grand Prix, Domenicali replied: "I saw some comment (about) something on me saying that Belgium would be the last year. I would be prudent on that comment. Very prudent."

Domenicali said Formula One wanted a balanced mix of a third in Europe, a third in the Far East and the others in America and Middle East, the most lucrative region of all for the sport's balance sheet.

"Of course, we are talking about a business where investments, financial contributions are very important but we have always said that the traditional races, races that we know cannot bring the money that the others are bringing, have a full respect from us," he added.

"You will see that this will be respected also in the future. With Belgium, discussions are still on.

"We are in Spa this weekend so you will see them (the local promoters) a lot of times in my office."

Domenicali went to South Africa in June to discuss the possibility of that country's Kyalami circuit returning to the grand prix calendar in 2023, but the Italian said