Grand Prix that could disappear from the calendar in the coming seasons

Formula 1 is a sport where competition is fierce. The dangers are not limited only to the drivers and teams, but also extend to the circuits. Every year, many departures take place in the world of F1. Whether it’s drivers, team members, or entire teams that disappear, everyone is trying to hold on to their place. The same goes for the Grand Prix races that desperately seek to maintain their participation in the calendar.

With a maximum of 24 authorized races per season according to the FIA regulations, places are limited on the calendar. Each circuit fights to maintain its presence in the event. Although some Grand Prix races seem to be inevitable like the one at Silverstone, others attract fewer crowds, resulting in the departure of many circuits that have disappeared over the years. This is notably the case of the Paul Ricard circuit in France. And some of the current Grand Prix races also risk disappearing in the near future.

European circuits under threat

Since its beginnings at the Silverstone circuit, Formula 1 has always had a strong impact in Europe. With many circuits on the calendar, the discipline still stands out as European. However, several historical tracks on the continent are now under threat. Five circuits in particular, namely Imola, Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps, Zandvoort, and Monza, have contracts ending in 2025, and there is no guarantee that they will be renewed.

The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, is highly appreciated by the drivers, but the circuit is always facing growing financial difficulties. Without government support, the circuit struggles to remain profitable, and 2025 could well mark the end of its presence in F1. This is notably what the Grand Prix manager reported, announcing 2025 as the last year. Along with other projects in the Grand Prix area, local businesses are also putting pressure on the provider. While VAT continues to rise, one solution being considered is a partnership with Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. A biannual contract would allow each circuit to host a race every other year while reducing costs.

On his side, the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, in Belgium, is facing recurrent safety issues. Although financially stable, the circuit is infamous for its fatal accidents. It is still considered one of the most dangerous on the calendar. The track has undergone several modifications to meet safety standards, but it remains a problem due to its mountainous environment. Recent resurfacing works have tried to improve grip, which seems to have worked, but visibility does not guarantee its place on the calendar. With very steep turns, drivers are sometimes forced to rely on their intuition as visibility is zero. Adding to all this the rain since it is often present at the Belgian Grand Prix, the circuit is filled with randomness.

The Monza Circuit in Italy is another historic circuit on the calendar. However, just like Spa-Francorchamps, its facilities pose problems. After undergoing the same resurfacing work as in Belgium, the Grand Prix organizers are now tackling the surroundings. The previously temporary stands and obsolete facilities are not suitable for the large number of spectators welcomed each year. Modernization work is underway and should add pathways for more freedom of movement. The renovations should also improve the paddock buildings, as requested by Stefano Domenicali, head of F1. It remains to be seen if this will be enough to secure its place in 2 years.

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, the other Italian circuit, shares similar problems. Although highly appreciated for its technical nature by the drivers, it has also been considered unsuitable by Stefano Domenicali. For the main reason being modern cars are wider with narrow track limits. Since the circuit is old, it is more suited to old cars than to the new generation, which causes several visits to the gravel traps. If these two Italian circuits fail to modernize, they could both be removed from the calendar, as they have already been warned.

The most prestigious circuit in motorsport is also under threat. The Monaco Grand Prix, although symbolic, is criticized just like Imola. As a historic urban circuit, its layout is old and the track limits are a real issue. In Monaco, everyone knows that the final result heavily depends on the qualifications. With its lack of overtaking opportunities, this year, the Top 10 remained the same between the race and the qualifications. If the cars of 2026 will indeed be narrower, the contract for the Monaco Grand Prix ends in 2025. All that’s left is to hope that Formula 1 will agree to keep the race for one more year to find out what the reality is.

The circuits threatened in America.

Outside of Europe, America also faces its own challenges. With races in South America and North America, in total, four Grand Prix are threatened. But this time, the reasons sometimes go beyond simple technical problems.

Like some European Grand Prix races, the Mexico Grand Prix is constrained by its financial difficulties. Although popular with fans, Formula 1 could decide not to renew its contract. Already in 2023, the circuit was facing uncertainty about its future. Not supported by the state, it is the local government that participates in its funding. Liberty Media, the owner of F1, fears a drop in revenue from the event in October. If local support is insufficient and the continuation of the Grand Prix is not beneficial, it could signal the end of the collaboration between the two.

If up to now the Grand Prix were in danger for security and financial reasons, the three Grand Prix of the United States in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas are now in danger for judicial reasons. Recently announced during a meeting with shareholders, Formula 1 is currently under a judicial investigation. Initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice and Congress, it echoes the repeated rejection of the Andretti team. The American team is seeking to enter F1 but is being denied for reasons that are considered unjustified. If Formula 1 is condemned in this case, the three American races could be removed from the calendar. The Austin Grand Prix, whose contract expires in 2026, is the most vulnerable at the moment, but we must await the end of the investigation for a verdict.

Formula 1, despite its global reach, remains an extremely selective discipline. Not only for the drivers and teams, but also for the circuits. Financial, safety, and legal issues jeopardize several historic Grand Prix races. If they want to stay on the calendar, these circuits will have to evolve or risk disappearing.