Belgian GP director criticized for trip to Qatar.

Belgian GP director criticized for trip to Qatar.

      "You must accept accountability"

      A new controversy in Belgian politics has unexpectedly brought the future of the grand prix at Spa-Francorchamps back into the spotlight. Georges-Louis Bouchez, the president of the MR party and newly appointed vice-president of the Spa Grand Prix organization, skipped an important budget vote in the Federal Parliament on Thursday to attend the Formula 1 race in Qatar this weekend, as reported by RTBF. Bouchez stated he was in Doha "as vice-president of Spa Grand Prix to engage with F1 management and other promoters to secure future editions of the Grand Prix." MR parliamentary leader Benoit Piedboeuf supported him, saying, "He went to negotiate an important contract - we’ll see what the outcome is." However, opposition MPs criticized the trip as irresponsible, especially since Parliament was discussing the Prime Minister’s vital general policy speech. "When negotiating such unfair measures, one must take responsibility instead of going on a leisure trip to Qatar," remarked Patrick Pr vot (PS). "As a member of parliament, he should be here." This is the second instance where Bouchez’s trips to Qatar have drawn scrutiny. Last year, he went to Doha to seek investors for Francs Borains, the football club he oversees. This political upheaval comes less than a year after Formula 1 and Spa reached an agreement on a multi-year extension that reconfigures the Belgian GP to be an alternating event - the circuit will host the race only in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031. Spa-Francorchamps is currently striving to remain on a rapidly expanding calendar that increasingly favors lucrative street races.

Belgian GP director criticized for trip to Qatar.

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In contrast, Alonso staunchly supported the decision, claiming that Newey had already been functioning as a leader. Speaking to AS newspaper in Qatar, he said, "He was already at the forefront of the technical development of the car and the team, pinpointing the necessary personnel and areas needing improvement. Internally, he was conducting a lot of management, while Andy was managing engine integration with the chassis." The Spaniard emphasized the importance of Newey's leadership given the team's rapid evolution. "This team is still quite young," he remarked. "We need guidance from leaders like Adrian. We have the two most successful figures in the history of the sport—Adrian Newey and Andy Cowell." According to Alonso, the new title merely formalizes what had already been occurring. "He was somewhat of a behind-the-scenes leader," he noted. "He would have been in charge of everything even without the official 'team principal' designation. With Cowell concentrating more on the engine, fuel, and Honda, everyone is effectively in their role." Alonso did express hope that Newey would still have adequate time to focus on his evident strength—design. "The role of team principal is different these days—media, sponsors, commitments," he said. "I hope Adrian won’t have to take on all those responsibilities and can focus on the crucial aspects." Christian Horner had been considered for the position before Newey's appointment, with reports suggesting that Newey even took his former Red Bull boss on a tour of the Silverstone factory last week. Ultimately, Lawrence Stroll did not extend an offer to him. "I don’t think we need any additional people in leadership," Alonso concluded. "But that’s not my responsibility." "That truly took me by surprise." 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Speaking to AS newspaper in Qatar, he said, "He was already at the forefront of the technical development of the car and the team, pinpointing the necessary personnel and areas needing improvement. Internally, he was conducting a lot of management, while Andy was managing engine integration with the chassis." The Spaniard emphasized the importance of Newey's leadership given the team's rapid evolution. "This team is still quite young," he remarked. "We need guidance from leaders like Adrian. We have the two most successful figures in the history of the sport—Adrian Newey and Andy Cowell." According to Alonso, the new title merely formalizes what had already been occurring. "He was somewhat of a behind-the-scenes leader," he noted. "He would have been in charge of everything even without the official 'team principal' designation. With Cowell concentrating more on the engine, fuel, and Honda, everyone is effectively in their role." 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Belgian GP director criticized for trip to Qatar.

Formula 1 | A new controversy in Belgian politics has unexpectedly brought the future of the grand prix at Spa-Francorchamps back into the spotlight. (…)