Review of the 2023 Historic French Grand Prix

The F1 returned to the Paul Ricard circuit from April 7th to 9th. Certainly, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, or Charles Leclerc were absent, but the 52,000 spectators present throughout the weekend had the opportunity to get close to former legends of the premier discipline of motor racing, including René Arnoux, Jean Pierre Jarrier, Jean Alesi, Yannick Dalmas, and Franck Montagny.

Other renowned drivers were also present on the Var circuit, such as double Le Mans 24-hour winner Eric Hélary and Soheil Ayari.

Finally, as for the drivers, a Brazilian animated the BossGP race, namely Antonio Pizzonia, former Formula 1 driver for Jaguar and Williams between 2003 and 2005.

Several very lively races

On the track side, the audience was able to witness various races just as exciting as each other, both in F3 and in the Lotus Trophy as well as in the F1 races.

In addition to the numerous races, F1 demonstrations took place throughout the weekend. Besides AGS, Tyrrell and others, fans were able to see Kimi Räikkönen’s Ferrari F2008, which was the world champion in constructors that year.

On the paddock side, the public was able to wander through a supercar exhibition, including Ferrari, Lotus, Lamborghini, and McLaren. Additionally, a tent was dedicated to Formula 1, featuring a Toro Rosso from Max Verstappen, a Williams from Jacques Lafitte, a Stewart from Rubens Barrichello, and a Matra from Jean Pierre Beltoise.

Finally, a legendary F1 car was displayed in the main building hall: Ayrton Senna’s 1993 McLaren, known among other things for that first lap and that iconic Grand Prix at Donington, where the Brazilian won the race with over 1 minute and 20 seconds ahead of his runner-up Damon Hill.

For 2024, the appointment is already made, and given the enthusiasm, all the spectators secretly dream of seeing President Jean Alesi take the wheel of an F1 car again on the circuit where he started in 1989.