During pre-season testing in Bahrain, a few drivers were asked to come up with ideas to replace the Russian Grand Prix, whose contract with Formula 1 was terminated following the invasion of Ukraine by the armed forces of Vladimir Putin. “For me, there are two places, got started Charles Leclerc. The first is a little unrealistic, but it would be Macau. I would love to drive a Formula 1 there. Otherwise, on a track somewhere in Africa. » Africa, a destination also mentioned by Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion in the discipline would like to see single-seaters return to the Kyalami circuit, which was the scene of the South African Grand Prix from 1967 to 1993.
The French in America
Other drivers would rather favor a new race in the United States, despite the presence of Austin and Miami on the 2022 calendar. “Probably a street circuit somewhere, was thinking out loud Esteban Ocon. I would like to compete in a place that we have never done before. In a cool city for example… New York! If they can do something and they’re listening, let’s do it! ” Ia Big Apple was repeatedly mentioned as a potential host for a race in the United States, but it never materialized. Pierre Gasly would prefer a destination much further west, with Laguna Seca (California). As for Kevin Magnussen, his year in IMSA seems to have left him with good memories since the returning F1 player dropped the name of Watkings Glen, where he took second place in 2021 with the Cadillac DPi of Chip Ganassi Racing. A historic track in the history of Formula 1 since the latter installed its paddock there from 1961 to 1975.
On the side of Lance Stroll and Mick Schumacherthe answers were more down to earth. “Turkey, I love this track and I want to go back”, said the Canadian. A circuit all the more appreciated by the Aston Martin driver since he signed his only pole position there in 2020. Istanbul has already mentioned to replace Sochi this year, like Sepang (Malaysia) or Portimão (Portugal). For the German from Haas, it was the name of the Nürburgring that came to mind. His compatriot and elder Sebastian Vettel approves… but in its Nordschleife version (154 bends, 20.832 km). Finally, it’s Valtteri Bottas who raised perhaps the most realistic possibility. In any case, with the strongest arguments.
Obviously, the Finnish driver pleaded for a Grand Prix in his country: “In Finland there is a new track for Moto GP and they have built structures that are decent enough for Formula 1.” Bottas evokes here the KymiRing, a circuit born in the town of Päijänne Tavastia, 110 kilometers northeast of the country’s capital, Helsinki. Built with the aim of being the first Finnish circuit to obtain the FIA Grade 1, the one necessary to host a Formula 1 weekend, it will host the Moto GP Grand Prix of Finland for the first time on July 10. under a multi-year contract. Before, one day, the high mass of F1?
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