Spa-Francorchamps could be dropped from the 2023 F1 calendar

Spa-Francorchamps, one of Formula 1’s most iconic races, is at risk of being dropped from the 2023 calendar.

The race in the Ardennes region of Belgium was on the calendar in the inaugural championship in 1950 and has been a mainstay on the schedule ever since (apart from a handful of times). It is a race that drivers and fans look forward to each season.

However, with Spa’s contract due to expire at the end of 2022 and no new deal currently in place, it is a real possibility that the Belgian Grand Prix could disappear from the schedule.

F1 bosses are keen to expand the sport’s global reach and ensure the world championship lives up to its name. New events are already planned in Qatar and Las Vegas along with a potential return to South Africa in 2023. In an already congested calendar, it is almost certain that some events will need to be dropped.

Spa offers a challenge to the drivers which few tracks can match and has recently undergone some significant upgrades to the famous Eau Rouge section. Despite this, doubts still remain about the venue’s infrastructure when compared to others.

With the Monaco Grand Prix also without a deal beyond 2022, it seems that in the modern era of F1, no race can be considered untouchable.