Veteran Journalist Bruce Jones Advocates for New Zealand Grand Prix

Veteran F1 journalist Bruce Jones is advocating for New Zealand to join the Formula 1 calendar, suggesting a season-opening double-header with Australia would be a perfect fit. Citing the nation's history of producing world champions like Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, Jones argues the country "richly deserves" a race despite never having hosted a Grand Prix circuit.

Why it matters:

Formula 1 continues to expand into new markets, yet significant motorsport nations like New Zealand remain absent from the calendar. Jones' proposal highlights a potential gap in the sport's global footprint, suggesting that pairing a New Zealand race with the existing Australian Grand Prix could offer a compelling start to the season while honoring a region that has "punched above its weight" in driver development.

The Details:

• The Ideal Venue: Jones identifies Hampton Downs as the most suitable location for a potential New Zealand GP. He favors permanent circuits over street tracks due to the immense cost associated with temporary layouts, though he concedes the idea remains aspirational.
• Historical Perspective: These comments coincide with the release of the updated edition of Jones' book, F1 Racing: The Ultimate Companion. The work documents every country to have produced a driver or hosted a race, emphasizing that circuits are often the "forgotten part" of the F1 equation.
• Evolution of Tracks: The book explores the drastic changes in circuit safety and layout, contrasting the dangers of 1950s road courses like Pescara with modern venues. Jones highlights how tracks like Spa-Francorchamps have evolved from high-speed, tree-lined hazards to their current configurations.
• Global Reach: Jones deliberately broadened the book's scope beyond traditional strongholds, including nations like Finland that produced champions without hosting races, to educate newer fans on the sport's diverse heritage.

Looking Ahead:

While logistical and financial hurdles remain for a New Zealand Grand Prix, Jones' vision aligns with a growing sentiment for F1 to return to underrepresented regions. His work serves as a reminder that the sport's history is deeply tied to its geography, and expanding the map could further enrich the championship's narrative.