Formula 1’s Expanding Calendar: New Races and Returning Favorites
As the world of Formula 1 (F1) continues to grow in popularity, the sport is set to introduce new races and welcome back some old favorites. With a 25-race limit in place, the F1 calendar is expected to undergo significant changes in the coming years. In this article, we’ll delve into the latest developments and explore the future of F1 racing.
The Concorde Agreement, a tripartite agreement between the FIA, F1 teams, and F1 owners Liberty Media, governs the sport’s terms. The current agreement ends in 2025, and a new five-year deal from 2026-2030 has been signed. As part of this agreement, there is an upper limit of 25 races per year. With growing global interest, the F1 calendar has steadily grown, with 23 races in 2021 and 2022, and 24 since 2023.
New Races on the Horizon
Several countries and circuits are vying for a spot on the F1 calendar. Reports suggest that F1 could introduce new races in Thailand and Rwanda, and see the return of grands prix in Malaysia and South Africa. In December, a two-year deal was agreed for Portugal’s Portimao circuit to return to the F1 calendar for 2027 and 2028.
Thailand is aiming for a street race from 2028, with a proposed 3.54-mile street circuit located between the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station and Chatuchak Park in an area to the north of the city’s centre. The Thai government approved a $1.23 billion bid for five events between 2028-2032, but there have been no further updates since.
Africa, Malaysia, and Thailand: What We Know
South Africa has hosted 23 races in F1 history, with the last one in 1993. While Cape Town has previously been mentioned as a possibility, Kyalami circuit is at a more advanced stage. In June, Kyalami circuit representatives said plans to upgrade its facility to Grade 1 status (required to host F1) were approved by the FIA, which makes it eligible as a host once the work is complete.
Rwanda has also been a contender for another circuit facility in Africa, with “serious” talks in 2024 with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali saying the country presented a “good plan.” However, in the latest development in February 2025, F1 was urged by DR Congo foreign minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner to end talks with Rwanda amid conflict between the countries.
Malaysia is often touted as a potential venue to return, but it won’t be in the foreseeable future. Sepang joined the F1 calendar in 1999 and raced every year until 2017. The circuit saw dramatic wet-weather races in 1999 with Michael Schumacher and 2009 with Jenson Button, but declining ticket sales and rising costs bumped it off the F1 calendar.
Confirmed Circuits: The Complete List
New for 2026 is Madrid’s Madring, which will be the new host of the Spanish Grand Prix until 2035. Barcelona is set to host a race under the guise of the Barcelona Grand Prix, but drops off after 2026. From 2027, F1 will venture back to Portugal to Portimao for two years until 2028.
The European Grand Prix, which had varying locations around Europe between 1983 and 2016, is set to make a return. F1 is introducing a similar concept as Belgium’s contract runs to 2031, but will miss 2028 and 2030. The alternate locations could pave the way for other European circuits to temporarily join the calendar, such as those
