Alesi blames French politics: 'GP was shunned by politicians'

Jean Alesi believes the reasons for the absence of the French Grand Prix from the Formula 1 calendar are political rather than financial. The Frenchman and former Ferrari driver says the government has not sufficiently supported the event in recent years. He talks about a possible rotation in the Formula One calendar.

After four editions of the French Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard circuit in recent years, motorsport's premier class has decided not to renew their contract with France for the 2023 season. Jean Alesi claimed in an interview with Eurosport that it is still possible to get the Paul Ricard circuit back on the calendar.

"People everywhere are begging for a Grand Prix in their country. That is not the case in France. We have had a Grand Prix in the last five years - apart from Covid, of course - which was very successful but shunned by our politicians," said the Frenchman.

The French Grand Prix may return to the calendar in a rotation. It will then be able to alternate with, say, the Austrian Grand Prix or Imola. "That will also help, because a grid costs a lot of money. Maybe one of the circuits will alternate with us on the calendar. Everything is on the table," Alesi stressed.