The Frenchman prefers an urban Grand Prix to a return to a traditional circuit.
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What if the next French Grand Prix was held neither at Castellet nor at Magny-Cours, but in the streets of Paris?
Asked by Autosport about the French circuit he would like to see join the Formula 1 calendar, Esteban Ocon did not mention a single permanent track. The Haas driver prefers the idea of an urban event, in the vein of Miami, Las Vegas, or Madrid.
“I think a Paris Grand Prix would be incredible. It’s definitely a race I would dream of,” said the Norman. “Or in the South, in Nice or elsewhere, it would be something really special.”
This stance fits into an evolution of Formula 1, which has been increasing urban events for several years to offer a show in the heart of major metropolises and attract a new audience.
A return of France still very uncertain
France has not been on the calendar since the 2022 edition, held at the Paul Ricard circuit. Since then, discussions about a possible return have never really led to a concrete project.
Already in 2022, Ocon regretted the uncertainty surrounding the future of the French Grand Prix, believing that the championship should preserve some historic races alongside Belgium or Monaco.
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But four years later, the context has evolved again. Calendar spots have become extremely sought after, while F1 now favors destinations capable of offering high hosting fees and strong media impact. In this context, an urban project could appear more attractive than a return to a permanent circuit.
Three home starts, only one in the points
So far, Esteban Ocon has only competed in three French Grands Prix in Formula 1, all at Paul Ricard.
His record has remained modest: a retirement in 2018, 14th place in 2021, then 8th position in 2022, his only points finish in front of the French crowd.
France, however, has a long history in Formula 1. Since the creation of the world championship in 1950, seven different circuits have hosted the French Grand Prix, including Reims-Gueux, Rouen-les-Essarts, Dijon-Prenois, Charade, Le Mans-Bugatti, Magny-Cours and, more recently, Paul Ricard.
It remains to be seen whether the next appearance of France on the calendar will still be through a historic circuit… or through the avenues of a major city, as Ocon imagines today.