F1 Boss Teases Multiple New European Grands Prix by 2026
Sep.6 - Stefano Domenicali has teased that Formula 1 will soon boast "many" grands prix in Europe.
Currently, although the old continent was the traditional and historic centrepiece of the sport, there are only 9 races in Europe on the 24-round schedule.
But there is currently a lot of talk about F1 wanting to expand to new hosts, triggering the concept of having some European rounds annually alternate from the start of the new regulations era in 2026.
Zandvoort, Spa-Francorchamps, Imola and Barcelona are early candidates for the alternating scheme, allowing them to be able to pay lower fees to Formula 1 and still keep their grands prix alive.
This week, as F1 CEO Domenicali unveiled the sport's new sponsor Banco Santander in Spain, a reporter asked him if Germany stands a chance of making a comeback to the calendar.
"Germany has always been part of our calendar - and full of motorsport and automotive tradition," he said. "But unfortunately we don't have a grand prix there these days.
"This is not because we don't want to, but because the situation in Germany has changed. We are trying to find the right partners to start a constructive dialogue again.
"Audi is coming to Formula 1, and with Mercedes we have a strong partner. Everyone is pushing to find a solution, but we don't have that solution yet," he is quoted as saying by Bild newspaper. "But our task is to finally find one."
The problem is that, in agreement with the teams, F1 owner Liberty Media has capped the calendar at a maximum of 24 races in any one year.
But a system of annual race rotations gives the sport more scope to expand within Europe.
"In 2026, you will see something interesting," Domenicali teased. "We are discussing with other organisers in Europe to do something that will be announced soon.
"2026 will be a year in which there will be many grand prix in Europe," he added. "At the moment we have many options."
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I simply can't see a return for Germany anytime soon with certain more lucrative options in Asia, not to mention the viable circuit locations are somewhat isolated as another negative factor, & the same with Montmelo beyond 2026, although Monza has always been mentioned among the rotational circuits for a while combined with Imola.
"Audi is coming to Formula 1, and with Mercedes we have a strong partner. Everyone is pushing to find a solution, but we don't have that solution yet," he is quoted as saying by Bild newspaper. "But our task is to finally find one."
Theres the key Audi and Mercedes, get the Deutsche marks out guys and invest
A lack of high profile German drivers on the F1 grid does not garner interest for the public to see a Grand Prix in Germany.
Audi and Benz are world-wide brands, so they gain global exposure just for competing, regardless of where it happens. I can't see either of them digging in to fund a Grand Prix in Germany.
Which is very sad, history , history being written before own own mincepies
Me neither.
There must be suitable car parks for conversion in Germany as per current trend. In England we could do Tesco one year and Morrisons the next - Yes it is sarcastic, but F1 seems to be heading that way.
Well of course there is, and as you know every little helps
Talent wanting to come through. Maybe a separate series to release the bottleneck and make more money.
Well, one solution is to cut back on the Communist support - so scratch China and Kanada. Then, of course, there is the misogynistic and politically unpopular middle-east - cancel Bahrain and Saudi Arabia - forget about the billions they shovel into Liberty Media's coffers under the table.
So there are at least four openings. Let's see - Hmmm - what about somewhere in Africa, that's not too corrupt - like Kenya. How about another round in South America and one in the Caribbean and another in the Philippine's. All nominally safe and reasonably stable.
Or, they could just scratch those four off the Calendar, and give the teams and drivers a bit of a winter break, and an opportunity to spend their millions.
Oh dear - but I see what you mean
Are you advocating we should remove Bahrain and Saudi Arabia from the F1 calendar? Why would you maintain Qatar and UAE? They are all basket cases, especially when it comes to misogymism and corrupt practices! It's only in the very recent past that women have been allowed to drive a car in Saudi Arabia, and women are allowed to leave their home only if granted permission by their husband.
Apart from that, I like your direction. Bring in some other countries similar to those you mentioned, and leave the Middle East to their own warring devices.
China and Turkey arent much better regarding human rights
It does make me laugh , all the Government sponsored holiday adds for Turkey in Uk, portraying it as the best of the Mediterranean, just dont challenge the regime eh.. laughable but worse Ukers lap it up, the weathers nice and its cheap , ahhh but dont speak out of turn or well lock you up