Reports are steadily intensifying about how the F1 calendar will look like beyond 2026, with several bidders in negotiations to join the calendar.
As confirmed by Stefano Domenicali, there are many popular circuits in talks with Formula 1.
Germany’s Hockenheim, Turkey’s Istanbul Park and Portugal’s Algarve are all strong candidates for the calendar.
With circuits such as Zandvoort set to lose their slots, there will be openings in the near future.
Nevertheless, certain conditions must be met to reach an agreement and put pen to paper.
The Managing Director at Hockenheim has shed light on this issue, with a specific focus on the factors which make an F1 comeback more feasible than in previous years.
2018 German Grand Prix, Sunday – Wolfgang Wilhelm
Hockenheim organisers outline F1 talks
Perhaps more than any other nation, Germany’s absence from the calendar is sorely missed.
Despite its extensive history in the sport, from legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher to historic teams like Mercedes, Germany has always been at the heart of Formula 1.
The Hockenheim circuit, which most recently hosted the German GP, is also exceedingly popular.
Hockenheim’s last race in F1 was 2019, which was among the most entertaining Grand Prix in recent history.
Overtaking opportunities, challenging corners and variable weather conditions are what made this venue so popular.
Before 2019, the 2018 edition of the German GP was also chaotic – producing a pivotal moment in the Championship as Sebastian Vettel crashed out from the lead.
Unable to secure a contract extension after 2019, Hockenheim lost its place in Formula 1.
Since then, competition for a slot on the calendar has only risen.
When considering how the schedule will look like in 2027, several factors are essential for potential entrants go get the green light.
Hockenheim’s Managing Director spoke to the German Press Agency about the state of negotiations:
“We have already pointed out in the past that we have enormous interest in Formula 1.
“With the entry of private investors and the new structures, we will certainly have different opportunities than in previous years.
“Even with the new shareholder structure, the top priority will continue to be to hold the Formula 1 Grand Prix in a financially viable manner.
“Nevertheless, we believe that Germany deserves a Grand Prix – not least because of its impressive motorsport history.”
2018 German Grand Prix, Friday – Wolfgang Wilhelm
A competitive landscape
Primarily, every Grand Prix on the calendar needs to offer a significant financial package to cement its position.
This was previously an obstacle for venues like Hockenheim, but the growing demand to host F1 races has attracted more public and private investment to help address this.
Beyond pure monetary muscle, circuits need modern infrastructure to accommodate the volume of spectators across a race weekend.
Stefano Domenicali often mentions this point, highlighting that historic circuits must modernise.
There is also an environmental dimension to consider, with Formula 1 striving towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
Additionally, as has always been the case, prospective entrants must now out-compete each other in negotiations with Formula 1.
Compared to ten or even five years ago, there is substantial competition to host Grand Prix.
Considering the financial benefits that host cities receive from a race weekend, this is hardy a surprise.
One positive for Hockenheim, as well as other bidders, is that a record 24-races are on the calendar.
In combination with the option to ‘alternate’ certain circuits (meaning they agree to appear on the schedule on a semi-permanent basis) there are different routes that can be explored to reach an agreement.
Main photo: LAT Images (Mercedes media gallery)