Which current F1 races might miss out?
Five current F1 races do not have a contract in place beyond the end of this season: Austria, Belgium, France, Mexico and Monaco.
Is there any hope for any of those races?
Austria certainly has hope, given the circuit is owned by Red Bull and the race is bankrolled by the company and its owner Dieter Mateschitz. Mexico City has also been a huge success, fulfilling F1 owner Liberty Media’s wish for races with a bit more razzmatazz. The growing success of Checo Perez can only help its cause, and if Pato O’Ward makes it to F1 that could seal the deal.
But there is significant trouble for the other circuits on this list. Spa has been undergoing significant revisions with motorbike racing and safety in mind, but the failure of the 2021 race will have put some doubts in the minds of organisers. That said, it is probably France and Monaco that are in most danger. Monaco pays no money to host its race thanks to its historic nature, and various issues have come up between the ACM – which runs the event – and Liberty over the last few years. France’s position is perilous too, given a lack of cash from the organisers, but also various organisational issues at the Paul Ricard circuit over the last few years.
With F1 looking seriously at new avenues, including how to race in Africa, and with a confirmed calendar of 20 races already in place, the French Grand Prix’s future looks in peril. Talks have already begun over a new deal for Monaco, and while it’s never been in danger like this, there is perhaps more hope for a 2023 Monaco Grand Prix than the French, if the ACM are willing to budge on a few issues.