Fast Times in France
Maxim US|November - December 2022
A report from what may well be the final French Grand Prix, marking the end of an era
By Jared Paul Stern
Fast Times in France

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 its underwhelming setup and lurid striped run off areas, is hardly the most popular circuit; and there are many who decree that the nearby, and much more high-profile, Monaco Grand Prix renders the French GP obsolete. Perhaps these naysayers should have been present at this year’s race, where enthusiasm ran extremely high—despite a devastating crash by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (Monaco-born, and therefore something of a local hero), on the 18th lap, while he was leading the race. The crash left Leclerc, despite having much the faster car, almost hopelessly behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, winner of the French GP in his stead, in points for the season; Leclerc was heard to bellow with rage and frustration over his radio when he hit the barrier.

This story is from the November - December 2022 edition of Maxim US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November - December 2022 edition of Maxim US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MAXIM USView All
Enzo on the Silver Screen
Maxim US

Enzo on the Silver Screen

Michael Mann’s new biopic of Enzo Ferrari starring Adam Driver is set to make the legend burn even brighter

time-read
6 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
Some Like it HОТ
Maxim US

Some Like it HОТ

We piloted Ferrari's fantastie new open-topped grand tourer through the craggy hills of Sardinia

time-read
5 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
THE LEGEND OF ENZO
Maxim US

THE LEGEND OF ENZO

DURING HIS LIFETIME FERRARI FORGED THE ENTIRE PANTHEON OF MOTORSPORTS

time-read
7 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
THIS SIDE of PARADISE
Maxim US

THIS SIDE of PARADISE

A landmark new exhibition of Ellen von Unwerth’s work is suitably playful and provocative

time-read
2 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA IN BELIZE 10-MS
Maxim US

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA IN BELIZE 10-MS

The famed director of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now tells us why the Central American country has captured one of the world's greatest imaginations,

time-read
4 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
WEAPONS of WICK
Maxim US

WEAPONS of WICK

Meet master engraver Melissa McMinn, who created Keanu Reeves’ dueling pistols for the hit franchise

time-read
4 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
SUDDENLY This SUMMER
Maxim US

SUDDENLY This SUMMER

Model, influencer and actress Summer Soderstrom is the blonde bombshell we're keeping our eye on

time-read
2 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
VIVA LAS VEGAS
Maxim US

VIVA LAS VEGAS

We wade into the spectacle that was the reborn Las Vegas Grand Prix

time-read
3 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
DRINKING La DOLCE VITA
Maxim US

DRINKING La DOLCE VITA

From pioneering distilling methods to the massive success of Martini Racing, the story of the most iconic name in aperitifs

time-read
5 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
FIVE-STAR STYLE
Maxim US

FIVE-STAR STYLE

With an impressive roster of ultra-high-net-worth clients, i design powerhouse Rigby Rigby is making waves Bei on the Riviera and beyond

time-read
4 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024