How Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali envisions the racing calendar of the future and why rotation will be an issue for Grands Prix in Europe
For Formula 1 drivers, 24 Grands Prix in one year is “well over the limit”. But is this number just a stopover on the way to even more races, as some fear? Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali denies this: “We believe that 24 races is the right number. I would like to confirm that. “
Stability beyond the pure number of races is not guaranteed for the Formula 1 calendar, however. For the 2026 season under the new technical regulations, Domenicali is examining “certain possibilities” and “different options” that Formula 1 wants to “play with in the right way”.
What he does not say directly, but hints at: Formula 1 is considering the introduction of rotational races “mainly” in Europe. In other words: venues alternate with each other and are therefore only on the race calendar every two years. For example, Hockenheimring and Nürburgring from 2008 to 2014 for the German Grand Prix.
The organizers of the Grands Prix in Imola, Monaco, Monza, Spa-Francorchamps and Zandvoort may have to prepare for a similar scenario. The contracts for the aforementioned circuits expire after the 2025 Formula 1 season. And this opens up the “possibilities” mentioned by Domenicali for the 2026 season with a Formula 1 visit only every two years
Europe is a discontinued model in Formula 1
Because the trend is not a friend of the European races. Or as Domenicali himself puts it: “We have developed from a European to a global racing series. And we must continue to do so in the future.”
So there is a good chance that a future new Grand Prix will not be held in Europe. Formula 1 is probably considering a comeback in South Korea, for example, where the racing series made four guest appearances from 2010 to 2013 before the project was dropped – prematurely, as the actual contract was for seven years.
Madrid as a blueprint for future Grands Prix
Europe continues to play a major role for Formula 1, assures Domenicali, referring to the announced Grand Prix in the Spanish capital Madrid: “This is important for us, because it shows that the attention for Formula 1 is still there. Everyone says we have to get out of Europe because there is no more interest there. But we have proven the opposite [with this].”
In general, Madrid can be seen as a blueprint for future events. Domenicali calls the Grand Prix a “great impulse” because it “near the exhibition center […] gives the fans the opportunity to experience the event in an incredible way”. However, the Formula 1 boss does not provide any details at this point
However, the racing series is “determined” to keep Barcelona on the calendar alongside Madrid. A “great Grand Prix” is to be held there “in the next few years”. However, the contractual basis for this is still lacking: Barcelona is only tied to Formula 1 up to and including 2026
“Of course” Formula 1 is all about the money
But a lot will be different on the Formula 1 calendar in 2026 anyway. Domenicali announces “something interesting” without revealing more. However, he is already in talks with European race organizers “to do something that we will announce [only] as soon as we have reached an agreement”.
Domenicali is alluding to the upcoming contract negotiations. There are always “many factors” to consider. “Of course, the financial aspect is very important,” he admits. “We can also stabilize certain promoters by creating incredible opportunities in the respective markets. That is also a relevant point.”
Domenicali uses the word “incredible” again when he talks about the long-term agreements that Formula 1 has recently reached with the majority of current circuits. And he says freely: “From our point of view, these are obviously very interesting financial packages.”
However, the very long-term agreements with the circuits are also an “incredible opportunity” to expand the Formula 1 business in additional areas, “beyond the promoter fee,” explains Domenicali. “That is our approach. “