In 2018, after a decade-long absence, Formula 1’s historic French Grand Prix was brought back to life at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Castellet, to much fanfare—and national pride. It was after all in France, at Le Mans, that the world’s first-ever motor race, as well as the first international event ever to be labeled a grand prix, was held, in 1906.
For there to be no French Grand Prix on the calendar would for many be an utter tragedy, and yet the prospect appears all too real. The initial five-year contract for the race at Paul Ricard has now expired; with November and the end of the 2022 F1 season looming, no new deal had been announced. Which spurred us to accept an invitation to this year’s French Grand Prix, held in late July, with alacrity, knowing it may well be the last.
Paul Ricard, with
