Nyck de Vries believes not every Formula 1 weekend can be like a Champions League final.
In 2023, Las Vegas will make its debut on a multi-year deal meaning F1 was scheduled to complete 24 races this year, before China and Imola’s cancellation, causing some to question whether the calendar was too big.
“I have very good faith in Formula 1,” De Vries exclusively told Total-Motorsport.com. I think they’re doing a great job, the sport is growing, and ultimately you can’t have every weekend like a Champions League final.
“I think it’s actually nice to have a little variation and different kinds of events because that makes each race unique.”
Monaco needed for F1’s identity
The Monaco Grand Prix‘s spot on the calendar was in jeopardy throughout 2022 as F1 sought improvements from the Principality regarding localised TV coverage and cramped facilities.
De Vries, who won in Monaco on his way to becoming the 2019 Formula 2 champion, feels the sport needs to keep the principality on the calendar because it is part of the sport’s identity.
“Monaco has been as in the pure race known to be kind of predictable,” said De Vries. “Because usually, where you qualify, it’s more or less where you finish if nothing strange happens.
“But yet, it’s probably the most iconic race on the calendar. I think F1 can’t live without Monaco. Monaco can’t live without F1. So not every race is a lot of entertainment.
“It doesn’t mean that the event doesn’t have value on the calendar. Monaco [is] very much the opposite. I think we really need it for our identity.”
Where is the next F1 2023 race?
With the F1 circus finished in Spain, the next race is the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix which will be held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal over the weekend of June 16-18.
