Jenson Button says he can be “very upset” to see Spa-Francorchamps drop from the Method 1 schedule in 2023.
The way forward for the Belgian Grand Prix is in severe doubt, with Spa’s contract expiring after the upcoming occasion on the finish of August.
The observe is a lot of the most historic and recognisable venues on the calendar, and is a favorite of many followers and drivers.
Nonetheless, a brand new occasion in Las Vegas will likely be on the schedule subsequent 12 months, whereas F1 will return to compete in Qatar following its inaugural race in 2021.
It locations severe doubt over some present races and their spots on the calendar, with France and Belgian touted as the 2 almost certainly areas to falter.
Talking on the WTF1 podcast, Button says that F1 should be cautious amid a interval of uncertainty concerning the Belgian race.
“If Spa isn’t there I’ll be very upset,” Button stated. “Monaco is a difficult one as a result of there’s tons happening behind the scenes.
“However for those who take away Spa, it’s for different causes, not as a result of it’s not a superb circuit. It’s top-of-the-line on the planet, the racing’s superb, the drivers adore it and the groups love going there.
“We’ve to be slightly bit cautious. We all know Method 1 is leisure and a sure TV present [Drive to Survive on Netflix] has made it very well-known in America, which is nice for the game.
“However we’d like to ensure we preserve the racing thrilling and going to circuits that give us nice racing since you’re going to see blissful drivers.
“You’re going to get much more out of them in the event that they’re in a superb place, not pondering ‘why are we at this observe? It’s not enjoyable, we are able to’t overtake, it’s too slender’.
“I like the combo of getting avenue circuits and old skool tracks, however we are able to’t be going to all metropolis centres, and simply going there due to the situation.
“It must be due to the observe itself and the nation it’s in too as a result of that’s the way you get the fanbase. And having a enjoyable race to observe on TV, with plenty of preventing, is essential too.”
The 2022 Belgian Grand Prix will happen from August 26 – 28.