Formula 1 must not lose “core” race weekends from its calendar, says McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo.
F1 is currently seeing interest from a number of different venues, however the sport’s Concorde Agreement stipulates that a maximum of 24 races can be held.
It means that current events are in danger of dropping off the calendar to make way for new locations, with historic events such as Monaco and Spa-Francorchamps rumoured to be in the firing line.
But Ricciardo, who won the grand prix at Monaco in 2018, says the historic venues should be preserved on the calendar going forward.
“Monaco is special,” Ricciardo said. “I think the thing is, I love the addition of some of these new circuits, new cities that we’re going to.
“I’m all for it, because it’s also like new experiences and engaging another audience which is fun, and it keeps the sport growing.
“I like sharing the sport with more of the globe, and ultimately sharing our passion with more people.”
While Ricciardo understands the Monaco race doesn’t normally produce exciting racing, he highlighted its ”unique“ weekend atmosphere.
“There are those core F1 venues and circuits such as Monaco. It’s a special weekend.
“For sure, like the race, it’s one of the most tricky circuits to overtake so, you know, I’m not sure it provides like the ultimate viewing experience on a Sunday but the weekend experience and just everything that is Monaco is special and unique.
“Winning it or not, I think going there as an F1 driver and having that and experiencing all the emotions that go with competing in Monaco, it’s unique.
“I’m very, very happy to have that, and have experienced that in my career. I guess I would wish, you know, call it the next generation to also experience that because it is special.”
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