Grand Prix de France Historique: a springboard for the return of F1 to France? Starts tomorrow!
While France has not been on the Formula 1 calendar since 2022, the French Historic Grand Prix, to be held from April 25 to 27, 2025 at the Circuit Paul Ricard, is attracting the attention of motorsport enthusiasts and professionals alike. With record attendance and the presence of iconic figures, could this event serve as a lever to bring back a modern French Grand Prix?
A Thriving Event
The sixth edition of the Grand Prix de France Historique, in April 2024, gathered 80,000 spectators over three days, a record for the event. The seventh edition, scheduled from April 25 to 27, 2025, promises to be just as promising, with more than 250 cars on track, a dozen races, exhibitions of vintage single-seaters, autograph sessions, and activities for the whole family.
Iconic figures in attendance
This year, the Grand Prix de France Historique celebrates the 20th anniversary of Renault’s world title in 2005. On this occasion, Fernando Alonso’s legendary R25 will make its grand return to the track, powered by its legendary V10 naturally aspirated engine. Among the guests of honor, Charles Leclerc, driver for Scuderia Ferrari, will participate in the Saturday Champions Parade, accompanied by Frédéric Vasseur, general manager and team principal of Ferrari.
A lever for the return of F1 to France?
The growing popularity of the Grand Prix de France Historique demonstrates the French public’s enthusiasm for Formula 1. Pierre Gosselin, president of the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA), has expressed his wish to bring the French Grand Prix back to the F1 calendar. Although financial obstacles remain, events like the Grand Prix de France Historique show that there is a passionate audience and the infrastructure ready to host a modern race.
A multi-step strategy
By drawing attention to the Circuit Paul Ricard and mobilizing motorsport fans, the Grand Prix de France Historique could be a strategic step in demonstrating the viability of an F1 return to France. By combining heritage and ambition, this event shows that the past can serve as a springboard to the future.
