The survival of the French Grand Prix: several factors to take into account

The contract for the French Grand Prix with Formula 1 has not yet been extended beyond this 2022 edition at the time these lines are written.

The question then arises about the future of the French Grand Prix on the calendar. With Stefano Domenicali’s recent statements, certain iconic GPs would be in the hot seat. As a reminder, the president of Formula 1 has mentioned the possibility of increasing the number of Grand Prix races in a season. However, the Concorde agreements restrict this number to 25 until 2025.

A very high entrance fee

To host a Grand Prix, promoters must pay Formula One. This amount represents 25 to 30% of F1’s overall revenues under Liberty Media. Therefore, host countries pay an entry fee for organizing a GP, with prices ranging from 13 million euros per year for Monaco to 50 or even 60 million euros in certain Gulf countries.

Currently in negotiations with Formula 1, the French round has a few aces up its sleeve. Firstly, the competitiveness of the 2021 edition is an important element, as well as the circuit’s infrastructure that meets the Formula One requirements. Secondly, the Circuit Paul Ricard benefits from the FIA’s three-star accreditation, thus fulfilling environmental criteria. Finally, the French enthusiasm surrounding this race should also be highlighted.

A specifications document not only related to the entry ticket.

The chances of historical Grand Prix races surviving despite intense competition from promoters are increased, notably by the fact that they are precisely historical and represent a major interest in the history of motorsport and Formula 1.

But the obligations of the specifications to be part of the calendar are not only financial. Ecological and social aspects are also required. The fact that France’s image is positive worldwide can encourage Formula 1 to want to keep this Grand Prix in place.

A team and French pilots

On the 2022 starting grid, a French team and two French drivers are present: Esteban Ocon with Alpine and Pierre Gasly with AlphaTauri. Both were interviewed about the future of the French Grand Prix during a press conference in Melbourne, and they fervently defend their national race.

« Well, obviously, being French, I will always support the French Grand Prix, and I have a special connection with […],” Pierre Gasly said. « Motivation, energy, atmosphere are things that you can only feel in your home country, and your fans can make you feel it. So I really hope that we can see the French Grand Prix for a few more years. Obviously, if it were up to me, I would have already signed the contract, but I’m not sure if Stefano will allow it,” gasly added.

The same tune from Esteban Ocon. « Of course, I am happy to discover new circuits, but yes, to see the French Grand Prix threatened, I will do everything possible to try to keep it on the calendar. », the Alpine driver affirmed. « Of course, when I started Formula 1, the Grand Prix wasn’t there. The rumor circulated that it could come back and it did, and you know, we have had so many great moments with the French fans there, it’s really special when you go there every year. So, I don’t know exactly what situation it’s in, but I’m not happy to hear that it’s threatened at the moment, and I will do everything possible to keep it on the calendar. ».

Government support.

“The President of the Republic has indeed demonstrated his support for this event during the FFSA awards ceremony last December,” explained Emmanuel Macron. “We were delighted to see [an international competition] return to the asphalt of the Paul Ricard circuit since 2018, and I want to salute the local authorities and the partners involved.”

These major events showcase the French automotive industry and our country. However, I am aware that organizing such a Grand Prix holds too much importance not to stir the interest of other nations internationally. The schedule for the upcoming seasons is currently under discussion. We must protect as much as possible the hosting of this Grand Prix in France, and rest assured that the government is ready to participate with all stakeholders involved,” confirmed the President of the Republic.

The goal is indeed to shine on a global level and represent the tricolor colors worldwide. Formula 1 is one of the channels for the State, which could therefore increase its involvement in assisting with the organization of the Grand Prix in the future.

An increase in study capacity.

The capacity of the Paul Ricard circuit is currently limited to 65,000 people per day. This capacity could be increased by adjusting the stands or the number of people per hectare. However, the organizers plan to increase this total capacity in the coming years, as ticket sales account for 80% of overall revenue in the case of the French Grand Prix.

In comparison, the Grand Prix of the Netherlands (Zandvoort) can accommodate 105,000 spectators per day, excluding health crisis. The same goes for the Spielberg circuit in Austria, or Red Bull Ring, where every year a sea of orange fans fills the stands.

The enthusiasm surrounding French drivers and Alpine could therefore enable, with the increase of this capability, to bring more revenue to the French Grand Prix and to be able to flex muscles in front of new influential Grand Prix.