F1 Calendar Shake-Up: Iconic Circuits Face Uncertain Future

September 7th, 2025, 6:00 AM
F1 Calendar Shake-Up: Iconic Circuits Face Uncertain Future
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With 24 Grand Prix events, the modern Formula 1 season is busier than ever. Over just a few years, the schedule has expanded until all parties involved agreed that 24 races were the maximum. However, due to the growing popularity of the sport, competition for a spot on the calendar remains fierce. Some countries have secured multi-year contracts, while other F1 circuits are at risk of disappearing. It’s high time for an overview.

Last year, Formula 1 completed 24 Grand Prix events for the first time. It was an exhausting season for the teams, drivers, media, and all other organizations involved in the premier class. Meanwhile, CEO Stefano Domenicali must divide his attention among all the circuits still interested in a spot on the calendar. From ‘old classics’ like Germany and South Africa to new construction projects in Thailand and the Saudi desert, there is always a balance to be struck between historic tracks and newcomers willing to pay top dollar.

At the same time, current F1 circuits that manage to continue their collaboration opt for long-term contracts. Classic events such as the Grand Prix of Monaco, Italy, Great Britain, Australia, and Canada are all secured in long-term deals. Newer events are also securing their future, such as the races in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Miami. Meanwhile, the Dutch GP in Zandvoort is losing out; due to a lack of financial support, the track will disappear from the calendar after 2026. Our southern neighbors are a bit luckier – the Belgian GP will be held every other year from 2028 onwards.

Contracts of F1 Circuits

CircuitContract DurationExplanation
GP Emilia-RomagnaUntil 2025This year, the (provisional) last GP of Emilia-Romagna was held in Imola. Due to competition from other countries and a lack of finances, a second race in Italy was no longer sustainable.
GP SpainUntil 2026The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is likely to disappear from the calendar, partly due to the arrival of the GP of Madrid, a street race in the Spanish capital.
GP NetherlandsUntil 2026In 2026, Max Verstappen will drive his last home race in Zandvoort. The organization decided to pull the plug on the event, partly due to high costs.
GP AzerbaijanUntil 2026The iconic street circuit has not yet secured a new contract, but it is extremely popular within Formula 1.
GP Las VegasUntil 2027The glamorous third Grand Prix on American soil is promoted by FOM and received a two-year extension in June this year.
GP Saudi ArabiaUntil 2027Although a long-term future has been announced for the GP of Saudi Arabia, there is only a contract to continue racing in Jeddah until 2027. The ultra-modern Qiddiya circuit is also under construction and is expected to be completed by 2027.
GP Mexico CityUntil 2028In April, a new three-year extension was announced, despite local hero Sergio Pérez not having a seat at the time. The organizers want to use the event as a driver for economic growth.
GP SingaporeUntil 2028Marina Bay and the original Formula 1 night race – now an iconic event. Since the race appeared on the calendar in 2008, it has become one of the most important on the schedule.
GP JapanUntil 2029The Suzuka circuit is considered one of the best in the world by drivers. The annual Grand Prix is also supported by a passionate audience that celebrates the event like no other on the calendar.
GP São PauloUntil 2030Interlagos is a traditional circuit with spectacular ups and downs and invariably packed stands along the straight. With its close ties to the sport, Brazil plays a key role in the history of Formula 1, particularly thanks to the legendary Ayrton Senna.
GP Abu DhabiUntil 2030The Yas Marina Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, has been the regular season finale for Formula 1 since 2009. The organizers pay a hefty sum for their spot on the calendar.
GP ChinaUntil 2030With the GP of China, Formula 1 wants to tap into one of the world’s largest economies. The event became extra popular due to the debut of Guanyu Zhou in front of his home crowd.
GP BelgiumUntil 2031Spa-Francorchamps is iconic and Max Verstappen’s favorite circuit. The long, challenging track has been a staple on the Formula 1 calendar for years. However, last year it had to settle for a rotation contract; Spa will not be on the calendar in 2028 and 2030.
GP ItalyUntil 2031The Temple of Speed and also the home race for Ferrari – Monza is a must on the Formula 1 calendar. Since the inception of the world championship, the GP of Italy has almost always been on the schedule.
GP HungaryUntil 2032‘Monaco without walls’. The Hungaroring underwent a significant renovation for the 2025 edition, after signing a contract in 2023 for another ten years. The Grand Prix is one of the country’s major tourist attractions, for which the organization is willing to pay handsomely.
GP QatarUntil 2032A somewhat controversial host on the Formula 1 calendar, partly due to alleged human rights violations in Qatar. Nevertheless, the Lusail circuit pays a lot of money for a long-term partnership.
GP Great BritainUntil 2034Silverstone, the setting for the very first Grand Prix and therefore an iconic circuit. Great Britain is still the cradle of Formula 1, and with the large number of British drivers and fans, the country essentially has a permanent spot on the calendar.
GP MadridUntil 2035From 2026 onwards

Formula 1 Races: Future Locations and Dates

Formula 1 is set to visit the Spanish capital for a weekend on the Madring – a brand-new street circuit. The organization secured a ten-year partnership, although Barcelona and Imola had to make way for this.

GP Canada

Until 2035

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is now as iconic as the driver it is named after. Located on an island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River, drivers tackle a track with the qualities of a street circuit.

GP Monaco

Until 2035

Perhaps the most famous race on the Formula 1 calendar and the ‘crown jewel’ of the sport. Despite the races in recent years being somewhat lackluster due to limited overtaking opportunities, Monaco is an essential fixture on the schedule. As a result, the principality extended its partnership for another ten years.

GP Bahrain

Until 2036

Formula 1’s first venture into the Middle East. Yet another track designed by the famous Hermann Tilke and also a popular location for winter testing due to the stable weather conditions. Of course, the organization in Sakhir continues to pay a hefty sum for Formula 1 in their own country.

GP Australia

Until 2037

Albert Park has recently regained its status as the host of the season’s opening race. The circuit is loved by both fans and drivers, and with Oscar Piastri, the Australians have a formidable driver to cheer for.

GP Miami

Until 2041

Since its debut in 2022, the GP of Miami has been a popular attraction for the American jet set. The event is promoted by NFL entrepreneur Stephen Ross, who digs deep into his pockets for a permanent spot on the calendar. Earlier this year, a massive contract was signed; the GP of Miami will – much to the chagrin of some Formula 1 fans – continue to exist until 2041.

GP Austria

Until 2041

Originally started as the Österreichring, but now world-famous as the Red Bull Ring and the home base of the eponymous energy drink manufacturer. In June, it signed a new, long-term agreement, ensuring that Formula 1 will return to Spielberg for at least another fifteen years.

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