Of the 24 races confirmed on this year’s calendar, there are only a few venues with expiring contracts. This creates a very competitive environment for new circuits to secure a place in Formula 1.
Portugal is the latest country to secure a Grand Prix contract, with Portimao set to host races in 2027 and 2028. The Iberian nation was one of many bidders in advanced negotiations with FOM (Formula One Management).
Of course, Formula 1 is constantly in talks with potential hosts – with demand as high as ever to become part of the schedule. Looking to the future, it is understood that India is preparing to launch a serious proposal for a calendar slot.
What needs to happen for Indian GP comeback
With a population exceeding 1 billion people, it does not take a rocket scientist to point out the room for F1 to grow in the Indian market. Because of this, at least one race in the South Asian country has been identified as a plausible goal for Formula 1 to strive towards.
Indeed, organisers at India’s Buddh International Circuit are reportedly working towards a comeback. Located in northern India, the Buddh International venue hosted F1 races just over a decade ago.
The last event was hosted in 2013, before a break in 2014 turned into an indefinite exit. There are a combination of factors that prevented a contract renewal, and these are the points that promoters are working to rectify to eliminate the obstacles complicating F1’s path to visiting India.
One of the main issues is how Formula 1 is categorised. The local state government recognises F1 as an entertainment event – rather than a sporting one.
This has costly luxury tax implications for promoters when a Grand Prix takes place. This essentially eliminates the affordability for organisers to put together an event, whilst also creating logistical headaches.
However, work is underway behind the scenes to address this dilemma – per India Today. Having spent hundreds of millions in constructing the Buddh International, circuit promoters are eager to put themselves back in the F1 calendar.
Provided FOM can reach an agreement with local authorities to make hosting more financially feasible, a contract agreement could be possible. This is an ongoing process, with 2027 or even 2028 likely to be the first indicators for how well talks are advancing.
Minimal wriggle-room in the calendar
Ultimately, the existing calendar is not expected to undergo significant change over the coming years. This is because most circuits have multi-year contracts, with Zandvoort and Barcelona being the only venues on the 2026 schedule without a deal in place for 2027.
Zandvoort’s fate is already sealed, with the Dutch circuit out of contention to stay in the sport beyond this year.
The situation at Barcelona is slightly different. Madrid’s long-term agreement to host the Spanish Grand Prix in 2026 and beyond hurts the Catalunya circuit’s chances of having a permanent calendar slot.
However, circuit promoters are currently in talks to secure a rotational contract. This would transform Barcelona into a semi-permanent race, which would feature on the schedule every other year.
Belgium’s Spa Francorchamps already has a similar arrangement. Spa will be on the calendar in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031. These absences in 2028 and 2030 gives Barcelona a lifeline to remain a part of the F1 circus.
Other potential hosts, such as Turkey and India, are targeting more permanent slots.
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