P1racenews AI automatic summary:
It has been on the table for a while. Now it appears as if the green light has been given.
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali announced plans for a major change to the grand prix calendar, with new countries seeking to join the F1 circuit due to its remarkable rise under Liberty Media’s ownership since 2017. Madrid is set to join the F1 calendar in 2026, alongside a potential return to a new circuit in South Korea and proposals from South Africa, Argentina, and Colombia. With a high demand for races, there are discussions about alternating certain events on the calendar to accommodate all requests. Suggestions have been made to host races like the Dutch GP every two years to manage costs effectively. Domenicali indicated in a recent investor call that there might be changes to rotate some European grands prix in the mid-term and explore new options for the future, ensuring a balance between economic benefits and market growth. While there have been talks about expanding the calendar to 26 races, Domenicali emphasized that the current record of 24 races in 2021 is considered the right balance for now to make strategic decisions. The focus remains on proposing choices that enhance the sport’s platform both socially and economically, taking into account the varying financial landscapes in different regions.
