F1 CEO Teases Huge European Race Mix-Up In 2026 With Announcement Expected Imminently
In a recent statement, Formula 1's Chief Executive, Stefano Domenicali, hinted at a substantial reshuffling of the European Grand Prix events starting in 2026. With an announcement expected shortly, many believe this could be alternating between race venues.
Key Takeaways:
- Contracts for key European Grand Prix locations, including Zandvoort, Spa, Imola, Monza, and Monaco, are due to end after 2025.
- The Spanish Grand Prix is slated to move to Madrid in 2026, though Barcelona may still feature a race under a flexible agreement.
- Discussions are ongoing about rotating certain European races and adding new global venues.
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F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has alluded to significant adjustments on the horizon for the European Grands Prix events beginning in 2026.
With Madrid confirmed as the future site for the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026, questions arise about the fate of Barcelona's race. The city is believed to retain a contract for the same year, albeit with flexible terms favouring F1's strategic planning. The possibility of rotating races, particularly the Dutch and Belgian Grands Prix, has been a subject of speculation, potentially reducing the number of European races to 23 and leaving room for an additional event. While Barcelona could fill this gap, there are no current plans to do so, and F1 is exploring the addition of new venues.
Domenicali's statements reflect a broader strategy to rejuvenate F1's presence in Europe, countering perceptions of waning interest in the continent. He explained, as quoted by Motorsport.com:
"That [2026] is a year where there will be a lot of grands prix, mainly in Europe, where we have different options that we can take.
"I think Madrid shows one thing that was very important for us, to see that the attention of F1 is there, also in the old continent, where everyone was thinking, 'Oh, you know, we need to move out of Europe, because there's not anymore the interest.' But we showed the opposite.
"I think in '26, you're going to see something interesting. We are discussing with other promoters in Europe to do something that will be announced soon."
Domenicali continued:
"But Madrid will be a big boost. Because the event will be organised in a place where we'll be around the convention area to allow the opportunity for fans to live that event in an incredible way.
"But the focus in Spain is in Barcelona. There is a big commitment to do a great grand prix there in the next couple of years."
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Moreover, Domenicali emphasised the significance of recent contract renewals, pointing out that these agreements are not solely financially motivated but are also crucial for ensuring the stability and growth of F1 events over time.
"I think as always when we take the decision with regard to the renewal, there are a lot of elements that we need to consider.
"First of all, of course, the financial aspect is relevant, no doubt.
"And the fact that we are able to stabilise with certain promoters, which we believe represent incredible opportunities, in terms of our stability in these markets, is a relevant element to consider.
"The fact that you have seen in the last couple of years that we were able to ratify incredible agreements with certain promoters means that is, from one side, of course, a very interesting financial package.
"But on the other side, an incredible opportunity to develop our business in other areas that are on top of the one that is related to the promotional fee. And that's really our approach."