South African Grand Prix

The Belgian Grand Prix has survived the axe from next year’s Formula One calendar, but there’s no good news for a race in South Africa. Photo: File

Formula One: BAD news for hopes of a South African Grand Prix in 2023

The Belgian Grand Prix has survived the axe from next year’s Formula One calendar, but there’s no good news for a race in South Africa.

South African Grand Prix

The Belgian Grand Prix has survived the axe from next year’s Formula One calendar, but there’s no good news for a race in South Africa. Photo: File

The Belgian Grand Prix has survived the axe from next year’s Formula One calendar.

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The race, staged at the historic Spa-Francorchamps venue, had been mired in doubt as Formula One chiefs continue to expand the sport’s schedule outside of Europe.

A record 24 rounds have been mooted for next year.

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A debut grand prix on the Las Vegas strip has already been confirmed for 2023, but a failure to rubber-stamp the return of the South African Grand Prix in Kyalami for next season, has ensured that the Belgian race will remain for at least another season.

The 2023 Grand Prix calendar will be released soon

A statement released by the sport’s bosses an hour before the start of Sunday’s fixture at Spa read: “Formula One can confirm that the Belgian Grand Prix will be on the 2023 calendar following an agreement to extend our partnership together.

“Further details on the 2023 calendar will be announced in due course.”

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The 2023 season is expected to start in Bahrain on 5 March, with the final version of next year’s schedule expected to be released in the coming weeks.