Formula 1’s Global Expansion: New Races, Shifting Calendars, and a 24-Race Limit
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As Formula 1’s popularity surges worldwide, the racing series is poised for a dramatic reshaping of its calendar over the coming years. A new era of regulations beginning in 2026 is driving a flurry of negotiations for both returning and entirely new Grand Prix locations, while a 24-race cap – established by the Concorde Agreement – adds a layer of complexity to the expansion.
The current Concorde Agreement, governing terms between the FIA, F1 teams, and owners Liberty Media, extends through 2030. This agreement limits the number of races per season to 24, a figure already proving contentious among drivers who deem the schedule unsustainable. Last year, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated the calendar would not exceed 24 races, despite significant interest from potential host cities including South Korea, Thailand, China, South Africa, Rwanda, Malaysia, India, New York, and Chicago.
Africa, Southeast Asia, and Beyond: The Contenders
Several regions are aggressively pursuing a place on the F1 calendar. South Africa, with a rich racing history – hosting 23 Grands Prix, most recently at Kyalami in 1993 – is a strong contender. Representatives from the Kyalami circuit confirmed in June 2025 that plans to upgrade the facility to the FIA’s Grade 1 standard, essential for hosting F1 events, had been approved. However, Domenicali cautioned in May 2025 that a deal remains distant, emphasizing the need for substantial investment and a strategic plan.
Rwanda has also emerged as a potential host, with “serious” talks taking place in 2024. Lewis Hamilton, a vocal advocate for expanding F1’s presence in Africa, has expressed his support for both Kyalami and Rwanda, calling a race on the continent a “huge dream.” However, recent developments have introduced political complications. In February 2025, the DR Congo’s foreign minister urged F1 to halt negotiations with Rwanda due to ongoing conflict, warning of potential damage to the sport’s brand. F1 has stated it is “monitoring the situation.”
Thailand is aiming for a street race in Bangkok starting in 2028, diverging from the existing FIA-accredited Chang International Circuit which currently hosts MotoGP. The Thai government approved a $1.23 billion bid for five events between 2028 and 2032 in June 2025, though no further updates have been released. The proposed 3.54-mile street circuit would run between the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station and Chatuchak Park.
Malaysia, a familiar name on the F1 circuit from 1999 to 2017, is also exploring a return. While hosting fees of around $70 million proved prohibitive in the past, circuit representatives indicated in November 2025 that a comeback isn’t impossible if a suitable corporate partner can be secured.
Confirmed Circuits and a Rotating European Schedule
Amidst the potential additions, several circuits have solidified their positions on the F1 calendar. Madrid’s Madring circuit will host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 to 2035, replacing Barcelona. Portugal’s Portimao is set to return in 2027 and 2028, evoking memories of its role as a temporary venue during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
F1 is also introducing a rotational system inspired by the former European Grand Prix, which rotated between various European circuits from 1983 to 2016. Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps, contracted through 2031, will not feature on the calendar in 2028 or 2030, potentially opening the door for circuits in France and Germany – both absent from the current schedule – to temporarily join the roster.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of current F1 circuit contract lengths:
- Australian Grand Prix (Albert Park Circuit): 2037
- Chinese Grand Prix (Bahrain International Circuit): 2030
- Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka Circuit): 2029
- Bahrain Grand Prix (Bahrain International Circuit – Sakhir): 2036
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Jeddah Corniche Circuit): 2030
- Miami Grand Prix (Miami International Autodrome): 2041
- Canadian Grand Prix (Circuit Gilles Villeneuve): 2035
- Monaco Grand Prix (Circuit de Monaco – Monte Carlo): 2035
- Barcelona Grand Prix (Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya): 2026
- Austrian Grand Prix (Red Bull Ring): 2041
- British Grand Prix (Silverstone Circuit): 2034
- Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps): 2031 (excluding 2028 & 2030)
- Hungarian Grand Prix (Hungaroring): 2032
- Dutch Grand Prix (Circuit Zandvoort): 2026
- Italian Grand Prix (Autodromo Nazionale Monza): 2031
- Spanish Grand Prix (Madring – Madrid): 2035
- Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Baku City Circuit): 2030
- Singapore Grand Prix (Marina Bay Street Circuit): 2028
- United States Grand Prix (Circuit of the Americas): 2034
- Mexico Grand Prix (Mexico City Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez): 2028
- Brazil Grand Prix (Interlagos Circuit): 2030
- Las Vegas Grand Prix (Las Vegas Street Circuit): 2027
- Qatar Grand Prix (Lusail International Circuit): 2032
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina Circuit): 2030
- Emilia-Romagna (Imola): Drops off after 2025
The evolving F1 calendar reflects the sport’s growing global appeal and the complex negotiations required to balance new opportunities with existing commitments. As the 2026 season approaches, the landscape of Formula 1 racing promises to be more diverse and competitive than ever before.
