Next year, the Japanese Grand Prix, held in Suzuka, will be at the end of its contract. Except for 2020 and 2021 due to the global pandemic, the Japanese Grand Prix has been held in Suzuka since 2009. In 2022, the Land of the Rising Sun extended its contract until 2024. The importance of the Asian market for F1, as well as the challenging layout, are two arguments in favor of keeping Suzuka on the calendar in the long term.

Silverstone had successfully extended its contract until 2024 during the 2019 season. As the birthplace of Formula 1, having hosted the first ever Grand Prix of the discipline in 1950, the British circuit also welcomed two races during the 2020 season, the British Grand Prix and the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix. The circuit can rely on its historical significance, as well as its three British drivers, to hope for a contract extension.

Circuits on track to extend beyond 2025

The cancellation of the Belgian Grand Prix was conditioned on the arrival of the one in South Africa, in Adelaide. In 2022, Spa Francorchamps had obtained an extension for one season before being kept for two additional years due to non-compliance of the track with FIA regulations. The Adelaide circuit does not have an FIA grade 1 and does not have the necessary economic resources to carry out development work. These ongoing issues for the South African track are reasons to believe in the maintenance of the circuit located in the forest on the calendar for the upcoming seasons.

Monza, the temple of speed, will be out of contract next season. While the FOM and Liberty Media have repeatedly threatened the Italian track with removal from the calendar, particularly with the return of the Imola circuit, the significance of this race to Ferrari and the numerous investments made for the renovation of its facilities provide hope for the tifosi to continue seeing F1 racing there.

Back in F1, for the first time since 1985, the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort was a resounding success. The stands were full, with 300,000 spectators recorded over the entire race weekend between 25th and 27th of August. This exceptional turnout, coupled with the presence of triple world champion Max Verstappen, are arguments in favor of an extension for Zandvoort.

The Imola track returned to the calendar during the 2020 season, after a 14-year absence, and obtained a contract for several years, ending in 2025. This year, the race was supposed to take place on May 21st, but due to heavy floods affecting the Emilia-Romagna region, the Grand Prix was cancelled. This cancellation could allow the circuit to obtain an extension for an additional season in 2026.

Las Vegas is making its return to Formula 1 for the first time since 1982, on a brand new track, with the first race taking place on November 19th. Initially, the Nevada city signed a three-season contract with F1, but successful marketing and sporting achievements will extend the contract for the track until 2032.

Circuits at risk after 2025

The extension of the Monaco Grand Prix had been obtained, after very long negotiations, during the year 2022. While the circuit is part of the prestigious “triple crown” along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500. The increase in urban circuits, like Singapore, Abu Dhabi, or even Jeddah, worries Monaco for the future of its Grand Prix in the coming years.

If the contract for the Chinese Grand Prix runs until 2025, the cancellation of the last four editions due to health restrictions related to the global Covid-19 pandemic is not a positive sign for contract renewal for the Shanghai circuit. However, the Chinese market and the presence of Zhou Guanyu, the first and only Chinese Formula 1 driver, are arguments in favor of keeping the race in this country.

Mexico has returned to Formula 1 with its Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit. While the atmosphere in the stands, especially in the ‘Stadium’ section, is present to support Checo Perez, a local of the race, the country’s economic difficulties, as well as Perez’s uncertain future in the sport, raise the specter of Mexico’s departure from F1.