F1 is inching towards a calendar where certain European circuits are rotated from year to year. This means some venues won’t be on the calendar in consecutive seasons – instead featuring on the schedule every other year. Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that Formula 1 is pursuing this direction.
Historic venues at risk of losing permanent calendar slots
Over the past few seasons, Liberty Media have overseen significant changes to the F1 calendar.
New races at Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Las Vegas are all examples of Liberty’s efforts to capitalise on Formula 1’s rising popularity.
These new circuits have contributed to this year’s 24-race calendar, which is the longest in F1 history. Because of this, concerns have been raised about the intensity of F1’s schedule.
In addition to this, there are growing concerns that historic European tracks could lose their places on the schedule.
Tracks like Belgium, Barcelona, Imola and Zandvoort are on expiring contracts. Whilst some of these circuits could be completely replaced, others will be relegated to having semi-permanent status on the calendar.
Domenicali outlines potential changes
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali explained the potential future of the calendar:
“We have some news to share very, very soon,” motorsport.com quotes him as saying.
“With regard to the possibility in the mid-term to have some rotational European Grand Prix and some other new options coming later.
“This is something that, of course, we will clarify in the due course. It is true that we have a large demand of new possible venues that want to come in.
“And our choice will always be balanced between the right economical benefits that we can have as a system, and also to leverage the growth on the market.
“That we can see potential that will be beneficial for us to grow even further our business.”
Moving forward, the introduction of new circuits on the calendar should be expected.
Argentina is among several countries vying to secure a space on F1’s calendar in the near future.
Earlier in 2024, it was also confirmed that Turkish GP organisers are negotiating an F1 comeback.
In response to this growing demand, more traditional circuits could miss out – either being completely removed or relegated to rotational venues.
