Soon 30 races in one season?

The drivers’ calendar is getting longer and longer each year. 2022 is a record-breaking season in Formula 1, with no less than 23 Grand Prix races all around the globe. Until 2025, this number is limited to 24 by the Concorde Agreement, an agreement between the International Automobile Federation, F1 teams, and the Formula 1 Group, which must dictate the conditions of races, revenues, and prizes.

However, Stefano Domenicali, president of Formula 1, has already expressed his ambitions for the following years. The Italian might extend the calendar, going as far as having 30 races in a single season.

Circuits in danger

In view of the limited number of spots available for the next three years, the circuits hosting Grand Prix events are being carefully reviewed, and some are still being negotiated. This is the case for the contracts of Spa-Francorchamps and Le Castellet, which are set to expire this season.

« There are some promoters whose contracts have expired and some current Grand Prix races will probably no longer be part of the calendar, declares Domenicali.

On the other hand, the one in Zandvoort seems to have its place for a few more years, if of course the GP were to achieve a similar success to last year’s. We are 100% a privately financed event, therefore all the pieces of the puzzle must fall into place. This means that we depend on the number of tickets sold, sponsors, and other partners, explains circuit director Robert Van Overdijk. It therefore makes sense to make a decision after the next Dutch Grand Prix. If Max Verstappen’s fans are as present this year as they were in 2021, there is no doubt that the circuit’s contract will be extended.

Which cities for these new races?

To allow for a 30-race calendar, the choice of destinations is crucial. While some circuits are under threat, Domenicali could have an interest elsewhere, where F1 hasn’t been since 1993: in Africa. March 14, 1993, was the last Grand Prix on African soil, on the Kyalami track near Johannesburg, and it was won by Alain Prost.

Stefano Domenicali sees a definite potential in the African continent for the upcoming seasons. I think there is potential in Africa. There is great interest there. Of course, it is another geographic area missing from our calendar. reveals the president of Formula 1.

And that’s not all. The United States could very well host a third Grand Prix on their soil, this time in Las Vegas.