Max Verstappen continues to lead the F1 world championship, and enjoyed a raucous reception last time out at the Austrian Grand Prix - even if he did ultimately come out second best behind Charles Leclerc.
His fans were out in force at Spielberg, and he can expect a similar reception at next month's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, and at September's Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort - both home races for the Dutch-Belgian driver.
Rumours circulate, however, that the iconic Spa circuit will be cut from the F1 calendar for the 2023 season to make room for the arriving races in Las Vegas and Qatar, and the rumoured return of the South African Grand Prix.
The loss of Spa would be a hammer blow, with a favourite track of fans and drivers alike gone from the annual F1 circus. Verstappen, for one, thinks the sport would be making the wrong choice.
Max Verstappen thinks F1 are making the wrong calendar choices
2021 F1 world champion Max Verstappen spoke to the media ahead of this weekend's French Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard Circuit.
Verstappen was asked for his thoughts on potentially losing Spa from 2023 onwards. The Dutchman said that he was worried for the future of the sport's calendar if similar decisions continued to be made:
It's sad, it's my favourite track, first of all. I think it's just a great track to drive.
Of course, I understand that to get there compared to other tracks it's probably a little bit more difficult sometimes with the traffic. But it's a very iconic track and I don't want to see myself in 2028 or whatever driving only on street circuits close to the city just for the fan engagement or whatever because you need these kinds of iconic tracks on the calendar.
And, of course, I understand everyone wants to make money - but there is also a limit to that.
It's important to keep these really cool circuits on the calendar instead of just driving on street circuits which I think F1 cars are not designed for anyway.
It's hard to argue with Verstappen. The most drama we have gotten from new street circuits in recent years have come from unfortunate and unpleasant crashes, or concerns over the morality of promoting the new destinations.
The 7km circuit at Spa is one of the most historic tracks on the calendar, having hosted Grands Prix as far back as 1925. It has hosted the Belgian Grand Prix in 48 of the 72 Formula One seasons hitherto, and is regularly a highlight of the calendar. Verstappen won a controversially rain-halted race at the track last season.
The moment Max Verstappen was confirmed the race winner in Spa #BelgianGP 🇧🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/0iyrCp9owC
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 29, 2021
READ HERE: Quiz: How Well Do You Remember The 2021 F1 Season?
You would certainly be hard pressed to find an F1 fan who would prefer the new street circuits at Jeddah or Las Vegas to a classic track like Spa, and the character brought by the fans - especially those of F1 champion Max Verstappen - would be sorely missed from 2023 onwards if the iconic circuit were to depart.
Time will tell. Last season's provisional calendar was revealed in October, so we have some time yet before confirmation comes of the Belgian Grand Prix's fate.
This season's 22-race calendar will need to shift to accomodate returning races in China and Qatar for 2023, as well as the addition of Las Vegas and - as rumoured - South Africa. Something will have to give.
SEE ALSO: Ex-Ferrari Boss Gives Rare Update On Michael Schumacher Condition
