Stefano Domenicali: « 2026 will be a year with many Grand Prix in Europe
Although Europe is the birthplace of F1, both traditionally and historically, it hosts only 9 of the 24 races of the world championship. A subject that tends to improve according to the F1 director, ensuring that there will soon be many more Grand Prix races on the old continent.
Discussions are currently taking place within the major bodies of Formula 1 for the sport to be hosted by new hosts. From these discussions has emerged a new concept, that of rotating races. The goal would be to have a few European rounds on alternate years starting in 2026.
Preserving historic Grand Prix while reducing costs.
Zandvoort, Spa-Francorchamps, Imola or even Barcelona are the first concerned by this rotation system, which would allow, among other things, to pay lower costs to Formula 1 while keeping the possibility to organize their Grand Prix.
As it was announced this week, the new global sponsor of F1, Banco Santander, Stefano Domenicali was questioned about a possible return of Germany to the calendar.
« Germany has always been part of our calendar and is full of traditions in motor racing. But unfortunately, we have not been organizing any Grand Prix there lately. It’s not because we don’t want to, but because the situation in Germany has changed. We are trying to find the right partners to restart a constructive dialogue, he replied.
He adds, moreover, that with Audi’s arrival in Formula 1, the pressure for the return of the German Grand Prix is increasing. « Audi is coming to Formula 1 and with Mercedes, we have a strong partner. Everyone is pushing to find a solution, but we haven’t found one yet.
Exceeding the limit of 24 races per year
In agreement with the teams, Liberty Media, owner of F1, has limited the calendar to a maximum of 24 races per year. The system of annual rotations would therefore allow F1 to have more opportunities to grow in Europe while respecting this limit.
« 2026 will be a year when there will be many Grand Prix races in Europe. We are in discussions with other organizers in Europe to do something that will be announced soon. For the moment, we have many options,” said Stefano Domenicali to the Bild newspaper.
Between a change in regulations and a possible reshuffling of the calendar, 2026 promises to be a particularly interesting year for Formula 1.
