Max Verstappen in favour of potential South Africa inclusion: “I think we need to try and pursue Africa”
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Max Verstappen
For a long time, rumours have been rife about Formula 1’s return to South Africa, and earlier, F1’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali had reportedly been in South Africa to negotiate Kyalami’s return to the calendar. The sport currently races in every continent barring Africa, and this must be the next market it seeks to expand in.
Formula 1 last raced in Kyalami back in 1993 – when Alain Prost took the victory for Williams. However, Kyalami’s return to the calendar may potentially come at a cost – and rumours have also been rife about Belgium not returning to the calendar, and this is certainly a bittersweet situation for fans, as ‘Spa’ is a very well-loved track.
Along with Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen has earlier stated that he wants Belgium to stay on the calendar – despite this, however, the Dutchman is excited to go to Africa and feels that Formula 1 should focus on Africa a little more than currently. Sergio Perez also all but confirms that South Africa will be returning to the Formula 1 calendar, perhaps as early as next year, as many reports say.
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F1 is likely to return to South Africa, according to the Red Bull duo
As reported by PlanetF1, in a recent video with LADBible, both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez believed that South Africa was likely to come to the calendar, and Perez even said: “It’s coming.”
On being asked for his thoughts on the matter, Verstappen said: “When you look at the continents where you race, I think we definitely need to try and pursue a bit more into Africa. At the moment, it looks the most likely place to go to is South Africa because they already have a track and they (F1) have been there before.”
South Africa is not going to be the only addition to the calendar next year. A new Grand Prix in Las Vegas, Qatar, and the return of China are also scheduled. The schedule will become absolutely stacked if a few races are not removed. Currently, Belgium and France look the most likely candidates, but even Monaco is potentially on the chopping block.
Sergio Perez said: “Monaco is history. I think a lot of us grew up looking at the race in Monaco on TV and it’s the most special race you can ever race in the calendar, apart from your home grand Prix. I think there is no other place you dream of driving, of racing, other than Monaco, so it’s the pure history of our sport.”
For now, the Red Bull duo’s focus will be on the next race in France. Ferrari currently look to be in the ascendancy, and Red Bull will be looking to respond and increase their gap on the top of the table. With the potential inclusion of Mercedes into the battle, Formula 1 is set for an exciting next few races.
Also Read: WATCH: “It’s impossible” Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez undertake ‘The Laughing Challenge’
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Aniket Tripathi
(1002 Articles Published)