F1 Calendar Upheaval: Iconic Tracks Under Threat

As Formula 1’s calendar expands with new races like Madrid and Chicago, historic circuits face uncertainty. This shift raises concerns about the future of traditional tracks and their place in F1.

The new Formula 1 season hasn’t even started yet, and there’s already talk about the upcoming calendars. The Madrid Grand Prix has recently been added and will be held for the first time in 2026. On January 28, Formula 1 also filed a trademark application for a race in Chicago. What does this mean for the current circuits?

Uncertain Future of F1 Circuits with Calendar Changes. Uncertain Future of F1 Circuits with Calendar Changes

In recent years, the Formula 1 calendar has undergone significant modifications. Before the viewership of the premier class skyrocketed and the sport became as popular as it is now, the calendar consisted of about nineteen to twenty races, and sprint races were something for Formula 2. Prior to 2021, it was perhaps unimaginable that there would be racing in Las Vegas, that drivers would speed through the streets of Jeddah, and that six sprint events would be added to the calendar.

Every country is now interested in hosting a Grand Prix. South Africa, Yemen, and several states have also shown interest. This has led to more exotic locations and street races appearing on the calendar. Some fans have criticized this: the calendar is not what it used to be. Some are concerned that the introduction of other, new races will have consequences for the circuits that have had a place on the calendar for years. Which circuits are these, and until when do they have a contract to host a Formula 1 race?

Spa and Zandvoort may be rotated.

The contract for the circuit in the Belgian Ardennes has been under pressure for some time, and it seemed that Spa-Francorchamps would not appear on the calendar in 2024. However, the contract was extended by two years. In 2025, a contract extension for the historic circuit will likely be considered. Alongside Spa, Zandvoort is also on the calendar until 2025. Both circuits are keen to continue beyond the 2025 season, but there may not be room for both.

At the end of the 2023 season, the idea of rotating the two circuits was proposed. One year Zandvoort would host a Grand Prix, and the next year Spa. Whether this will actually happen is not yet known. The organizations of both Grands Prix are pulling out all the stops to make each upcoming edition as grand as possible. For instance, Zandvoort in 2023 was an incredibly large celebration, despite the weather not being very cooperative. Zandvoort made a strong impression on F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, as the circuit in the small country is very sustainable and offers a lot of entertainment.

Monza, Barcelona, and Hungary Busy with Renovations.

As Formula 1 increasingly demands more from circuits, some historic tracks are working hard to improve their facilities to keep up with more modern circuits. Eight days into 2024, Monza announced that it will invest 21 million euros in adapting The Temple of Speed to today’s Formula 1 standards. Monza has a plan to completely modernize the Autodromo, making it more comfortable, safer, and more sustainable. After the 2022 and 2023 editions, Monza received many complaints on social media about poor organization and some fans not feeling safe. The circuit’s plan aims to prevent these issues and also to avoid Monza being dropped from the calendar after 2025.

In Barcelona, the alarm bells seemed to ring as soon as the news about Madrid came out. While the Spanish circuit does not have as extensive a modernization plan as Monza, it is planning to revamp its control tower and intends to refurbish the conference rooms, media rooms, and hospitality areas. The circuit is also working on creating new spaces for business and social events. Prior to the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona slightly modified the layout of the circuit by removing the chicane in turn 1, which was positively received by the drivers.

Besides Monza and Barcelona, the Hungaroring is also active. The circuit showed on its official channels that the land where the team hospitality areas are usually located has been excavated. During the 2023 Grand Prix weekend, the contract extension for the Hungaroring was announced, and the organizers could potentially get an additional five years extension if the circuit modernizes. This would mean they would have the longest contract in F1 history. Currently, Bahrain holds the longest contract, with the Middle Eastern circuit secured until the end of 2036.

Arrival of New York, or Perhaps Chicago?

The three previously mentioned circuits are hard at work to ensure they don’t miss the boat when the future calendar is being assembled. Fans have expressed their reluctance to see historic circuits disappear from the calendar, and now they wonder if the Formula 1 leadership is really listening. Earlier in January, the arrival of the Madrid Grand Prix was announced, and on January 28th, F1 applied for a trademark for the Chicago Grand Prix. There have also been discussions about a Grand Prix in New York.

In summary, Liberty Media and the FOM seem to be focusing only on new, exotic destinations, while they have plenty of locations at their disposal that require no adjustments. After 2025, a number of contracts are set to expire, and if they are not renewed, it appears that there will be a silly season not just for the drivers, but also for the circuits on the calendar. Stefano Domenicali, at least, still has some time to ponder over this.

Uncertain Future of F1 Circuits with Calendar Changes. Uncertain Future of F1 Circuits with Calendar Changes

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