French Grand Prix: Key Moments

The French Grand Prix will take place this weekend and mark the beginning of the second half of the season. Let's look back on some events that have marked this race, which is threatened on the future calendar...

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2018: Two out of three French people knocked out, chaos at the start.

Ten years since France last hosted the Formula 1! Le Castellet was the stage for its return to the calendar in 2018, but it did not generate unanimous approval: its vast asphalt run-offs and the northern chicane, breaking the Mistral straight line, were points of contention.

Never mind, it was the big celebration of motor racing! But the celebration turned into a nightmare for Vettel, who was fighting for the championship. The German crashed into Bottas at the first turn. With Hamilton in the lead, there was no way to catch up with him.

Behind, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, and Romain Grosjean were involved in a collision. The latter was the only French survivor and finished the race in 11th place. He even went on to say about Esteban Ocon, on Canal+ microphone: « He’s a little jerk » after their contact at the start. Tension in the air…”

2021: Verstappen and Red Bull make Mercedes buckle.

Lewis Hamilton had been dominantly leading the F1 since 2014, with the exception of 2016. However, in 2021, Red Bull made a comeback, especially with Max Verstappen, who is still chasing his first world title.

In France, the Dutch driver had secured the pole position…but then messed up at the first corner. Hamilton was leading, would he dominate on his own? Well, no! Red Bull and Verstappen chose an aggressive strategy to regain the lead…and then go after it, thanks to fresh medium tires.

The future world champion first surprised Bottas, then went after Lewis Hamilton two laps before the finish. A magnificent scenario for Red Bull, especially since Sergio Pérez, a great tactician, snatched the podium from Mercedes No. 77. The Hamilton-Verstappen duel lasted until the end of the season.

2022…and after?

French Formula 1 fans fear it, and it could happen: France is at risk of being skipped next year in the calendar…all this in favor of exotic destinations that (let’s not be afraid to say it) are lucrative (examples being Las Vegas and Qatar).

Le Castellet could have Spa Francorchamps as a companion in distress, as the Belgian track is also under threat for 2023.

Perhaps the 2022 edition of the Grand Prix de France can represent the “opportunity of a lifetime” to justify its place. Le Castellet was present in the 70s and 90s, making it a historical destination. Respect for history, it seems, is a much weaker asset than money. Such is the sad law of sports and the world in general.

With the 2022 regulations and a still open fight for the title, there is no doubt that this vintage could offer a splendid race!

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