With the 2026 season inching closer, discussions about the future of the F1 calendar are ongoing. Formula 1 regularly holds discussions with venues that could potentially host Grand Prix.
This year will see the Madrid circuit make its debut, with the Spanish capital contracted to stay on the calendar until 2035.
As previously reported on LWOS, Spain’s other circuit in Barcelona will become a semi-permanent event. After this year, Catalunya will feature on the schedule in 2028 and 2030, rotating with Belgium’s Spa Circuit – which also becomes a semi-permanent race after 2027.
With Zandvoort exiting the calendar this year, other destinations are being evaluated for the coming years.
Notably, there has been pushback in recent years against the growing frequency of street circuits. In response, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali insists this is not the case – with permanent tracks set to join the schedule.
More real circuits, less street venues
Formula 1’s growing popularity (perhaps more accurately, the increased recognition of the sport’s popularity in the social media age) has triggered increased demand from various countries and cities to join the calendar.
On paper, this competition is a good thing for F1. It presents a wide range of potential circuits to select from and construct the best calendar possible.
However, not all the venues on the schedule are popular. In particular, street circuits – often criticised for being too narrow and having uninteresting layouts – have become increasingly controversial.
With traditional tracks like Spa and Barcelona seeing a reduced presence in Formula 1, the addition of further street venues will likely be met with growing opposition. This sentiment is generally shared by drivers and spectators alike.
Still, it must be said that permanent circuits are seeing something of a revival.
Portugal’s Portimao will be on the calendar in 2027 and 2028, adding another purpose-build destination to the schedule. Beyond this, F1 is currently in negotiations with Turkey to bring back Istanbul Park.
When quizzed on talks with Istanbul, Stefano Domenicali took the opportunity to discuss the calendar more broadly:
“Turkey is not, let’s say, 100% confirmed,” he explained.
“Stay tuned regarding Turkey, let me put it this way. This is also to answer to the people who were saying that there were too many street circuits.
“The new circuits coming are [permanent] tracks, not street races.
“As I said, stay tuned on Turkey, but Portugal is definitely there [on the calendar for 2027 and 2028].
“Madrid is a semi-permanent track that is working to be ready this year. Other alterations are possible in the future, but we want to stick with the number [24 races per season].”
Likely additions to the calendar
Although negotiations are not finalised, there is a clear will from both parties to secure a place for Turkey on the calendar.
The most likely scenario is that an agreement comes into place for 2028 or beyond, with Istanbul Park seen as a venue capable of meeting the infrastructural demands of modern F1 race weekends.
Elsewhere, a variety of countries are in negotiations for a calendar slot. India, South Korea and Thailand are among the venues currently working towards presenting competitive bids to Formula One Management.
There is also an outside possibility that fan-favourites like Malaysia and Hockenheim return to Formula 1.
Organisers for both circuits have expressed an interest in making an F1 comeback. The question is whether financial constraints will prove a limiting factor.
In any case, these venues are still several steps away from finalising a deal with FOM. Turkey is comfortably positioned as the next in line to sign on the dotted line and secure a calendar slot.
As a widely popular location with an extensive history in F1 (alongside the required facilities and financial muscle to launch a compelling bid), Istanbul Park meets all the necessary criteria.
Both sided recognise this, which is why an agreement is closer to being reached.