The global image of Formula One is that of a runaway success as the sport continues to grow from strength to strength. Next season will see the first new circuit added since Las Vegas back in 2023, although rumours that Madrid is behind schedule continue to circulate.
Yesterday it was announced that Portimao in Portugal will return to the F1 schedule for a two year run in 2027/8. Yet the pipeline once brimming with hopeful promoters brandishing unlimited cheques appears to be running somewhat dry.
As is often the case in modern F1, the Portuguese Grand Prix is being underwritten by the government of the country and given the exorbitant fees to host such an event, the commitment for now is for just two years.
Gaps appearing on the future F1 calendar
However, there are gaps appearing on the calendar and in 2027 there are currently only 23 confirmed F1 race weekends. Imola has said farewell this season, but Madrid replaces the final slot on the 2026 schedule. Barcelona loses the right to host the Spanish Grand Prix as the title for the race has been transferred to the Spanish capital.
The future of F1 in Barcelona is uncertain given their contract expires at the end of 2026. The promoters may be hoping for an extension to be agreed, although they’ve been set the task of huge infrastructure improvements to deliver by the FIA and FOM.
For 2027 the number of Grand Prix weekends cold fall to as low as 21, as the historic Belgian Grand Prix begins its bi-annual rotation on the calendar. The Las Vegas Grand Prix will also be out of contract, although it is thought to be just a formality that an extension will be agreed.
Currently there are no big F1 projects in the pipeline and even the hugely trailed new Saudi Arabia track with its 90 metre high banked turn one has not yet broken ground. Whispers are emerging that Saudi may eventually host two Grand Prix, one on the Corniche and one at the new dramatic Qiddiyah location.
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Argentinian GP currently a pipe dream
Yet does F1 really want the look that it is becoming dependent on middle eastern cash is a question regularly debated in the paddock? Further the races in the region need to bookend the calendar due to extremely high temperatures from April to early November.
The running of the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix in October resulted in drivers retiring from the race due to heat exhaustion and others throwing up behind the wheel into their helmets.
Zandvoort in the Netherlands will close the doors on F1 permanently after the 2026 Grand Prix and whilst there is talk of reviving the historic Argentinian Grand Prix, that very much depends on whether their native Franco Colapinto can secure a permanent seat on the grid.
There has been talk for years about a return to Africa, at the Kyalami circuit now butchered by building projects which have been sanctioned on parts of the historic circuit. Yet a deal last year fell through due to greed and corruption and the government of the rainbow state pulled its support for an F1 return.
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Thailand plans in ruins
Rwanda which hosted the 2025 FIA presentation gala is mooted as another possibility for the continent, but again the plans to build a purpose built circuit for F1 have failed to make it past the PR stage which showcased a spectacular venue.
Thailand is an interesting case in point having agreed to host an F1 race from 2020 onwards. Yet political instability within the country has seen a succession of leaders flip flop over signing a deal.
F1 supremo Stefano Domenicali visited Thailand in March in an attempt to finalise an agreement with then prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and reports suggested a memorandum of understanding was signed at that time. Since then Paetongtarn has been removed from office due to her handling of border crisis with Cambodia.
Her successor appointed in the summer, Anutin Charnvirakul has been tight lipped on any concrete plans to host F1 any time soon. A general election planned for February may see some movement on that front.
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Vietnam’s abandoned F1 track
In Vietnam lies another abandoned F1 project. Just a few miles outside the bustling city of Hanoi, lies a part finished race venue intended to be a hybrid street circuit and permanent venue as will be Madrid. The races scheduled for 2020/21 were cancelled due to a combination of Covid-19 together with a currptionscnadal involving Hanoi’s mayor, Nguyen Duc Chung who now languishes in jail.
Rumours have surfaced that F1 may return to South Korea, although the abandoned circuit several hundred miles from the capital of Soul is considered an unsuitable location to drive fan attendance.
China is thought to be considering a proposal for a second Grand Prix, although the effect of the loss of their countryman driver Zhou Guanyu is yet to be fully understood. Hosting a new F1 race is a project which generally takes around two years from agreement to action and so for 2027 there is currently a shortage of circuits committed to ensure the full roster of 24 race weekends.
Has F1 reached a tipping point, where the cost of hosting races now predominately relies on government support? Just the British Grand Prix and the Dutch event of the current 24 are funded purely by ticket sales and associated weekend commercial activities.
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Portugal: A stop gap measure?
Whilst Portugal is a welcome announcement and a favourite with the drivers who love the undulating 4.6 kilometre layout, for now its just a two year deal whilst the authorities asses the commercial impact on the economy.
“It’s a really, really hardcore circuit,” said Lewis Hamilton. “There are places that you can’t see where you’re going. You’re looking at the sky for periods of time. Understanding where your braking points are — there’s no reference when you’re looking at the sky.
“It really is one of the most challenging circuits that I’ve been to,” concluded the British driver. Yet will Portimao be another Zandvoort flash in the pan – here today and gone tomorrow? Only time will tell.
Lotus F1 return trailed on Instagram
Lotus hints at a return to F1 with Audi – Lotus prompted fresh Formula 1 discussion after sharing an image featuring Audi’s 2026 Formula 1 concept livery on its official Instagram account. The post carried no explanatory text, and stopped short of any formal announcement, yet its timing was notable. Audi is deep into preparations for its 2026 entry, while Formula 1 itself continues to attract manufacturer interest ahead of the new technical regulations.
In a sport where messaging is rarely accidental, the absence of context invites interpretation. Whether intentional or not, the post placed Lotus alongside one of the most closely watched projects on the grid…. READ MORE
A.J. Hunt is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Andrew oversees editorial standards and contributes to the site’s Formula 1 coverage. A career journalist with experience in both print and digital sports media, Andrew trained in investigative journalism and has written for a range of European sports outlets.
At TJ13, Andrew plays a central role in shaping the site’s output, working across breaking news, analysis, and long-form features. Andrew’s responsibilities include fact-checking, refining editorial structure, and ensuring consistency in reporting across a fast-moving news cycle.
Andrew’s work focuses particularly on the intersection of Formula 1 politics, regulation, and team strategy. Andrew closely follows developments involving the FIA, team leadership, and driver market dynamics, helping to provide context behind the sport’s biggest stories.
With experience covering multiple seasons of Formula 1’s modern hybrid era, Andrew has developed a detailed understanding of how regulatory changes and competitive shifts influence the grid. Andrew’s editorial approach prioritises clarity and context, aiming to help readers navigate complex developments within the sport.
In addition to editorial duties, Andrew is particularly interested in how media narratives shape fan perception of Formula 1, and how reporting can balance speed with accuracy in an increasingly digital news environment.
