Daniel Ricciardo, an Australian driver for the AlphaTauri AT04, participated in the Formula 1 World Championship at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa Francorchamps, Belgium on July 29, 2023.
The CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, has hinted that certain races in Europe will be rotated on the calendar starting from 2026. Contracts for races in Spa Francorchamps, Monaco, Imola, and Zandvoort will expire at the end of the 2025 season. Baku and Barcelona have deals that extend until 2026, but the introduction of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid for 2026 raises doubts about the future of the Catalunya race. However, other European circuits have secured their futures for the medium to long term, such as Silverstone, which recently announced a 10-year extension to host the British Grand Prix.
As the Formula 1 calendar expands globally with 24 rounds and new regions attracting interest, Domenicali has proposed a new option. He stated that in 2026, there will be numerous grands prix in Europe with different options to consider. Domenicali emphasized the importance of F1’s presence in Europe, contrary to the belief that the sport should move away from the continent due to a lack of interest. He mentioned ongoing discussions with other promoters in Europe to announce something soon regarding the European calendar rotation.
Domenicali also addressed the recent long-term contracts signed with circuit promoters. Silverstone, Sao Paulo, and the Red Bull Ring have signed deals that extend until 2030 or beyond. Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Montreal, Miami, the Hungaroring, and Losail also have contracts that secure their places on the calendar until the early 2030s. Bahrain and Melbourne stand out with deals that run until 2036 and 2037, respectively.
When deciding on contract renewals, Domenicali highlighted the various factors that need to be considered, including the financial aspect. He emphasized the importance of stabilizing relationships with promoters and the opportunities for business development beyond the promotional fee. Domenicali expressed satisfaction with the recent agreements, which not only provide financial benefits but also open doors for further growth in different areas of the sport.
So where could Formula 1 be heading in the future? There has been speculation about potential races in India, South Africa, and even a fourth race in Chicago, USA. Motorsport.com recently revealed that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the possibility of bringing Formula 1 back to Turkey.
However, the decision on circuit contracts ultimately rests with Formula 1 and Formula One Management (FOM). With the talk of new venues being added to the calendar, there are concerns that the number of races could exceed the current record of 24. Max Verstappen, a current Formula 1 driver, recently expressed his worry about this. The current Concorde agreement allows for a maximum of 25 races, and expanding beyond that in the next agreement would only add to the power struggle and financial challenges between Formula 1 and the FIA. It would also put additional strain on the already exhausted members of the paddock.
On the other hand, Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, believes that 24 races is the ideal number for the sport. He emphasizes that any potential announcement regarding European promoters will contribute to maintaining this number. Domenicali acknowledges that Formula 1 has been expanding globally and wants to continue this trend. He states, “We have moved away from being solely focused on Europe and have embraced a worldwide approach, which we intend to continue in the future. I want to confirm that we firmly believe that 24 races is the right number. We will approach this strategically, taking advantage of the opportunities that arise in the coming years, starting from 2026.”
In conclusion, the future of Formula 1 remains uncertain in terms of new race locations. While there are discussions about races in India, South Africa, and Chicago, the final decision lies with Formula 1 and FOM. The concern about exceeding the current record of 24 races is valid, as it would create additional challenges and strain for all involved parties. However, Stefano Domenicali is confident that 24 races is the optimal number and believes that any future races will be strategically planned to maintain this balance.