Stefano Domenicali reaches out to President Macron to discuss the return of the French F1 Grand Prix
The French Grand Prix has been removed from the 2023 F1 calendar, in a context where new competitors are emerging to challenge the old European circuits. Additionally, the pinnacle category of auto racing is increasing its global appeal to new territories.
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1, declared that he was ready to discuss one-on-one with the French president about the possibility of reviving the French Grand Prix.
The day President Macron tells me he wants to discuss the return of France, I will come. If he wants to discuss, I will be there whenever he wishes to talk about it,” he declared to the newspaper L’Equipe.
« You have great drivers, you have a team, you have a large audience. Just come and see us to talk. » he emphasizes.
This year, Paul Ricard has become the latest victim of the gradual abandonment by Formula 1 of its traditional European hosts, with the new president of the circuit, Jean Alesi, admitting that there is no “national will” for the event. We have never had the honor of having the President of the Republic at the event, said the former F1 driver. Domenicali is also aware of the difference in investment that a country may be willing to make in Formula 1 to make a statement. When Frédéric Ferret asks him if he is aware of the colossal sums of money that are now required, the F1 director understands and does not expect the same financial commitment from the historical countries on the F1 calendar. I know this, and F1 will never ask for the same. It just requires effort from everyone. Better yet, it requires partners. And at the moment, we don’t have them here.
In the interview given to L’Équipe, Domenicali declares that he wants to make efforts, but he must feel that the efforts are reciprocal. The promoters in France do not have the means of those in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates… I know this and Formula 1 will never ask for the same thing. It’s just that everyone needs to make efforts. Better yet, we need intermediaries. And right now, we don’t have any in your country.
« Formula 1 has become an interesting sport again. You can’t say, “I come because I am France.” More than anyone, I want your country to return to the calendar, but you have to make the same efforts as everyone else. »
