Why the French GP must keep going

A matter of Passion

The French Grand Prix took place a few weeks ago, from July 22 to 24, and we had the privilege of being invited by the organizer to understand its workings. It was a true success, reminiscent of many past events, as the first race was held here in 1946, and France was already present during the inaugural Formula 1 season in 1950 alongside Great Britain, Monaco, Italy, and Belgium… quite a history indeed.

Yet today, with competition from the United States, the Gulf countries, and South Africa, its future has darkened, and there will be no French Grand Prix on the 2023 calendar. This heartbreaking decision is not the end, and we must believe in a return in 2024. Here are a few points explaining why the French Grand Prix must continue.

“After the significant success of its 2022 edition, the French Grand Prix, Formula 1, and all the stakeholders of the Grand Prix continue to work together on the presence of this event in future calendars, including a possible alternating system.”

France: a country of automobiles

In 72 years, with 62 Formula 1 Grand Prix races across 7 different circuits, France is undoubtedly a place of automotive passion. Starting with Reims and Rouen, and for 16 consecutive years, then Clermont Ferrand and Dijon in the 70s (9 GPs). More recently, on the Nevers Magny-Cours circuit (18 GPs) and the Castellet (Paul Ricard) circuit 18 times, including the last 4 editions! The Le Mans circuit, globally recognized for endurance racing, also hosted a Formula 1 GP in 1967! It is clear that French passion for motor racing is not up for debate; it’s in our DNA. The greatest drivers have battled here: Jack Brabham, Juan Manuel Fangio, Nigel Mansell, Gilles Villeneuve, Moss, and more recently Senna, Prost, Schumacher…

Quelques minutes avant le départ du Grand Prix de France 2022 au Castellet, lors de l’hymne national.

France: a creator of talents

We all think of Alain Prost (The Professor), a pinnacle of French drivers with 4 Formula 1 World Championships, but today France also boasts two talented drivers on its grid: Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon. Only the English with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, and the Germans with Mick Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, can say the same.

A warm atmosphere like the south

The French are fans and they make it known, around the track and for miles around, the hearts roar and the flags wave. Drivers race in an atmosphere as warm as the southern climate, amidst vegetation that invites relaxation. Everything is intense: the atmosphere, the track, the chicanes, the grandstands… and drivers wouldn’t complain. To get a glimpse of the ambiance and the race through the eyes of the public, we invite you to read this great article from Vice.

Starting line of the 2022 edition of the French F1 Grand Prix at the Castellet

A very positive review of the 2022 F1 GP

A record attendance of over 200,000 spectators over 3 days, huge for a circuit perched in the heights of Castellet. With many parking areas well in advance of the circuit and over 600 shuttles, 75,000 daily spectators could access the event, while minimizing traffic congestion as much as possible. A mobility plan estimated at 2 million euros was deployed with the dual objective of facilitating access to the circuit in optimal conditions and being more environmentally friendly.

On the track, the show was also noteworthy: a twist at the front of the race with Charles Leclerc’s crash on lap 18, a fight for the podium between Perez and Russell, and Sainz’s incredible comeback to 5th place, despite starting 19th and not being helped by his Ferrari team! Relive the race here.

When Art invite itself in the Castelet race track with the artiste Antoine Dufilho.

And tomorrow ? A new service that will optimise everything…

With RE.PLACE, the stands, which are partly empty today outside of qualifying and the race periods, will now be largely filled. Spectators will thus be able to enjoy the race from every grandstand throughout their weekend. Seeing the cars pass the starting line, then move and witness the maneuvers in the chicane or at the Pierre Gasly corner. New viewpoints for amplified ambiance and enjoyment; this will be the French Grand Prix of tomorrow, the only one to offer this.

Yes, the French Grand Prix has already written many chapters in the history of motor racing, but there is still so much more to write… so even if it has to alternate with another GP, we hope it will return to the calendar in 2024!

Long live the next Grand Prix!

Grandstand soon optimized by RE.PLACE during the next edition…

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