Formula 1 continues to expand, with an increasing number of races taking place outside Europe, while European races are becoming increasingly scarce. Melchior Wathelet, Chairman of the Belgian Grand Prix, reveals that the number of races on the European continent is expected to be reduced to eight by 2027.
Formula 1 is becoming increasingly popular, and many countries are eager to host a Grand Prix on their own soil. As a result, the premier class has expanded in recent years with races in the Middle East and the United States, and countries like Rwanda and South Korea are eager to organize a Grand Prix as well. Because the calendar is already packed with 24 Grand Prix events, Formula 1 wants to reduce the number of races in Europe, partly by introducing a rotation system.
Back to Eight
The Belgian Grand Prix is the first European Grand Prix to undergo this change. In early January, the organization behind the Spa-Francorchamps race announced that Formula 1 will come to Spa in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031, instead of annually. However, Melchior Wathelet, Chairman of the Belgian Grand Prix, is pleased with this outcome. “I am very satisfied,” he tells Sporza. “These were difficult discussions. Formula 1 only wants eight Grand Prix in Europe. Therefore, it was difficult to sign a fixed contract for a long period.”
The current Formula 1 calendar features ten European races, but reportedly, the premier class aims to reduce this to eight by 2027. Nevertheless, Wathelet remains hopeful that Wallonia will host the Formula 1 in 2028 and 2030. “It’s not certain that there won’t be a GP in Belgium in 2028 and 2030,” the chairman continues. “The spirit of the agreement states that there will be at least four races. It may depend on another country, or perhaps Belgium.”
