With the growing popularity of Formula 1, the demand for a dedicated Grand Prix is greater than ever. While traditional circuits often have to fight for their place on the calendar, new countries around the world are lining up to host the premier class. It’s up to CEO Stefano Domenicali to divide his attention among all the contenders. He predicts that more and more races, like Belgium, will have to settle for a rotation system.
The Formula 1 calendar has been expanding over the past few years, as the premier class has secured lucrative deals with new host countries. As a result, a record number of Grands Prix were held last year; Max Verstappen and his colleagues had to compete no less than 24 times. The current Formula 1 year also has 24 races scheduled, as does the upcoming 2026 season. The countries that manage to extend their collaboration with Formula 1 are opting for increasingly longer contracts. For instance, the Miami GP is on the calendar until at least 2041.
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“In the future, we want a long list of contracts with long-term agreements,” Stefano Domenicali explained to RN365. “We want to protect the promoter’s investment, so that everyone who attends a Formula 1 weekend can have a unique experience. Of course, there is a price tag attached to this and there must be interest in Formula 1 in the region.” In January, it was announced that the Belgian GP will follow a rotation system for this reason. From 2027, there will be a race at Spa-Francorchamps once every two years.
As a result, there will be openings in the schedule in the near future. Domenicali confirmed that there is no shortage of candidates, which means more Grands Prix will have to adopt a rotation system. “In Europe, there are already several places that are eligible for a rotation system,” said the Italian. “There are circuits whose contracts expire before 2030. We will discuss with them the possibilities of continuing the collaboration.”
In recent months, there have been plenty of rumors about potential new host countries for Formula 1. Domenicali acknowledges that the interest is enormous. “It’s up to us to make the right decisions,” he explained. “Barcelona is interested in protecting its place after the arrival of Madrid. In addition, we have Turkey, Portugal, and many more countries that are really open to discussion. In the long term, we are also looking at Africa and Thailand.” In South Africa, the Kyalami circuit is working on a return to the calendar, while in the Thai capital, they want to organize a street race. “That’s all very good news,” Domenicali concluded. “In the end, we are happy that we continue to grow.”
