Emmanuel Macron advocates for the return of the F1 French GP

Emmanuel Macron directed Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi to work on a possible French GP return.

Emmanuel Macron advocates for the return of the F1 French GP

French President Emmanuel Macron (image via EuroNews)

Formula 1 is a global sport. The F1 paddock travels worldwide to a host of countries every season. However, France, the country that hosts the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, has been missing from the F1 calendar. Now, French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced his support for the country’s return to the sport despite facing tough times.

Nice mayor Christian Estrosi had written to the French President, urging his support for a French GP. Previously a street race in Nice was considered for F1 before a short stint at Paul Ricard. Macron backed the prospects of a French GP return and replied to the Nice Mayor.

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He is quoted saying by motorsports.com, “Be sure that I fully share your ambition. Indeed, as you point out, our country must be able, like the other major international sporting events it organizes every year, to reconnect with F1”

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Emmanuel Macron welcomes the idea of a French GP return

Fernando Alonso during the 2022 French GP (image via Crash.net)
Fernando Alonso during the 2022 French GP (image via Crash.net)

Formula 1 raced at Paul Ricard between 2018 and 2022. Unfortunately, the contract was not renewed for the 2023 season. Although, the circuit was far from a fan favorite for its lack of elevation and failure to provide entertaining races. However, France is home to the auto giant Renault which runs the Alpine works team, as well as French drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.

As such, the country continues to have a significant connection to F1 despite the lack of a French GP. Emmanuel Macron believed that the topic of an F1 race in France was directly linked to the country’s appeal and the automotive industry, as well as its support towards carbon neutrality. Macron directed the Nice mayor to look into the various aspects of hosting a race, including the location, economic models as well as sustainability.

The French President said, “It is an issue of attractiveness for our country, the influence of our automotive industry and innovation to support the decarbonization of this sector… In this context, you will focus on engaging in discussions with the holders of the rights to F1.”

Thus, Emmanuel Macron has directly voiced his support for the return of the French GP. The French President believed an F1 race in France would help improve the nation’s appeal and be a testament to its commitment to sustainability in the auto sector. French F1 fans would certainly appreciate Macron’s words despite the unrest in the country.

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