Contracts reportedly signed are the claims by the ‘Fastest Pitstop’ for another US based Grand Prix. The 2024 Formula 1 calendar already includes three races in the USA. From 2026, it seems that the pinnacle of motorsport will be back in the United States with an additional GP event.
“Fastest Pitstop” reports on X (formerly Twitter) that Formula 1 will hold a race in Chicago from 2026. The necessary papers have already been signed and the place on the calendar has been secured. An announcement is expected in the next few weeks.
Back in January this year, Formula One has ignited speculation and enthusiasm among racing aficionados by filing for trademarks that suggest a potential Grand Prix event in Chicago as early as 2026. This development follows closely on the heels of NASCAR’s successful foray into urban street racing, which took place last year in Grant Park.
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F1’s Trademark Moves Spark Optimism
On 19 January, Formula One made a strategic move at the U.S. Patent Office, registering for the marks “Formula 1 Chicago Grand Prix” and “Grand Prix Chicago”. This act of securing trademarks is often a precursor to more concrete plans, suggesting that F1’s gears are indeed turning towards staging a race in the Windy City.
While these filings might primarily serve as a safeguard, they strongly hint at the organisation’s interest in expanding its American footprint. This aligns with Formula One’s recent efforts to increase its presence in the U.S., evidenced by the addition of races in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas.
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City Anticipations and Aldermanic Insights
The possibility of F1 races in Chicago has not only stirred excitement but also cautious optimism among city officials. Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward has revealed that preliminary discussions between the city and F1 have already taken place.
“I’m told that F1 typically requires a 10-year minimum deal, which seems to be a sticking point in talks,” Hopkins mentioned. This long-term commitment required by Formula One is a clear indication of their serious intentions, but it also necessitates detailed planning and community engagement.
The city’s aldermen, including Hopkins, were taken by surprise by this sudden development, especially following the mixed reactions from residents about the NASCAR event last year. However, this has also presented an opportunity for the city to engage with residents and policymakers in a constructive way.
Formula One is known for its exacting standards and the complex logistics of its race setups, which would demand significant modifications to Chicago’s urban landscape.
“The kind of makeshift adjustments we did for NASCAR—like welding manhole covers—won’t suffice for F1,” Hopkins explained, adding that the city is excited to rise to the challenge.
The construction of an F1 track, likely to be longer and more intricate than NASCAR’s 2.2-mile loop, presents a more formidable challenge, both technically and financially. But it’s one that the city is more than ready to take on.
Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward voiced concerns about the city’s capacity to host both NASCAR and F1 events, suggesting that “It would have to be one or the other.”
The logistical complexities of hosting two major motorsport events could be overwhelming, but they are also an exciting opportunity to showcase Chicago to the world.
Cultural and Economic Impacts
The increasing popularity of F1 in the United States, boosted by the Netflix series “Drive to Survive,” sets a favourable backdrop for introducing a Chicago Grand Prix. Past F1 promotional events in the city, like the Emirates F1 Festival at Soldier Field, have demonstrated a robust local interest in motor racing, and we can expect even more enthusiasm for this upcoming event.
From an economic perspective, the potential benefits of hosting an F1 race are enormous. Apart from enhancing the city’s global stature, such an event would likely generate significant revenue and boost tourism, mirroring the financial successes seen in other F1 host cities.
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Report on the alleged go-ahead for the ‘Chicago Grand Prix’ in 2026
According to the rumour by Fastest Pitstop, the race will be held in the city of over a million people in the state of Illinois, immediately after the Canadian Grand Prix, which is always held in June. According to Fastest Pitstop, the track is still being planned, but it is known that it will go around the city’s new four-billion-dollar stadium. It will also be a night race.
It would be the fourth weekend of the year for F1 to be held in the USA. F1 races are already held in Las Vegas, Miami and Austin. The series also recently announced changes for the 2025 season to make the calendar more sustainable.
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F1 returns to Australia for the first time in four years on 16 March with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. After the visit Down Under, the series will head to the Far East, to Shanghai and China.
The F1 entourage then heads to West Asia for races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. After the usual detour to Miami, the GP of Imola on 18 May will open the European season, which ends in Monza in early September.
Formula One said the aim of the calendar was to achieve “a better geographical spread of races”. The series has been criticised for its bloated calendar, particularly in terms of logistics.
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I’m pleased to hear that the USA may have an additional race. Canada needs to add more races as well, over a stretch of time. Start with Vancouver. Maybe later add Edmonton or Calgary. Toronto is always good. Something on the East Coast would be nice. Somewhere in Nova Scotia would be good.