F1 Limits European Races to Eight, Reshaping Global Calendar

F1’s European presence shrinks as only eight races remain, reflecting the sport’s global shift across America, Asia, and Africa.

Formula 1 envisions a future with only eight Grands Prix remaining in Europe.

This is according to Belgian politician Melchior Wathelet, who also serves as president of the Belgian Grand Prix promoter through the company Spa Grand Prix.

“I am very satisfied,” he said following the announcement that Spa-Francorchamps had signed a new contract with Formula 1 until 2031.

However, the agreement announced last week marks the start of F1’s new plan to alternate certain European races every other year, meaning the iconic circuit will be absent from the calendar in 2028 and 2030.

“These discussions were difficult,” Wathelet admitted. “Formula 1 only wants eight Grands Prix in Europe (one-third of the season, with the other two-thirds divided between the Americas and Asia, and a race in Africa under consideration, ed.).”

“It was therefore challenging to secure a long-term permanent contract.”

“But it is not certain that there will be no Grand Prix in Belgium in 2028 and 2030. The agreement’s framework provides for at least four races for us. So, in 2028 and 2030, it may be held in another country, but it could still be in Belgium if no other race steps forward.”

Wathelet admits that even though Spa will enter the rotation system, the cost of the deal with Formula 1 has actually increased.

“The amount rises from 2026, but it’s an increase of 3 to 4 percent. We felt this was reasonable. It’s not as if it doubled. It’s a reasonable inflation, which we believe we can recover.”

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali admitted this weekend that it is “possible” Imola could be the next circuit to join the rotation system, while Assen is now eyeing F1 as Zandvoort prepares to stop hosting the Dutch GP after 2026.

Notably, Barcelona has also expressed its intention to remain on the calendar despite Madrid’s arrival in 2026, taking over the Spanish GP title.

According to our sources, only Silverstone, Monaco, and Monza have or will have guaranteed contracts without rotation in the short or medium term.