Incheon and Guangdong Eye Future F1 Race Hostings

Asia may soon host new F1 circuits, with Incheon, South Korea, leading the bid for a return since 2013 and Guangdong, China, planning a new track.

Two new circuits potentially capable of hosting Formula 1 in Asia are under consideration.

The most advanced project, aiming for an F1 debut, is in the South Korean city of Incheon.

The last Formula 1 event in South Korea occurred from 2010 to 2013, featuring four races at the Yeongam International Circuit (photos). The ambitious project at the time to build an entire city around this circuit was never realized, and F1, situated amidst farmlands, has not returned since.

Incheon, neighboring the capital Seoul, hopes to attract Formula 1 for the first time since 2013 with a city race, according to the Korean news agency Yonhap.

Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok made overtures to Formula 1 management during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

“Incheon is the prime location to host F1, as it boasts a transportation network including Incheon airport and port, along with numerous luxury accommodations. We will initiate broad discussions to bring F1 to Incheon.”

He hopes to secure a five-year deal to host a race starting in 2026 or 2027.

The other track project meeting F1 standards is located in China, in Guangdong, approximately 1,200 kilometers southwest of Shanghai, where the Chinese Grand Prix will be held next week.

The track plans were unveiled in the Guangdong province’s construction project plans for 2024. The circuit will be part of a park dedicated to international motorsports. Guangdong will invest over 130 million euros annually in regional development projects.

The F1 is not explicitly targeted in the short term in the project announcement.