Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has revealed that a rotation of European races on the sport’s calendar is now firmly in the works.
With a record-breaking 24 races already on the docket, the addition of new venues is becoming increasingly challenging.
But the implementation of a rotating schedule for certain specific events on the European continent will allow for new venues and fresh opportunities to drive Formula 1’s global expansion, while maintaining the sport’s historic foothold in Europe.
“We have some news to share very, very soon with regard to the possibility in the mid-term to have some rotational European Grand Prix and some other new options coming later," commented Domenicali, speaking on Thursday on Liberty Media’s third quarter conference call with analysts.
"This is something that, of course, we will clarify in the due course.”
This shift aligns with Formula 1’s long-term strategy to expand its reach and revenue in untapped markets while retaining the sport’s deep-rooted connections in Europe.
But according to Domenicali, the choice to introduce rotating races reflects careful consideration of both economic and strategic factors.
“It is true that we have a large demand of new possible venues that want to come in,” he explained.
“And our choice will always be balanced between the right economical benefits that we can have as a system and also to leverage the growth on the market that we can see potential that will be beneficial for us to grow even further our business."
Currently, Europe hosts 10 races, including two in Italy (Imola and Monza) and a new race in Madrid from 2026.
While Barcelona's contract expires at the end of 2025, recent reports have suggested a potential rotation with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
However, implementing a rotational system presents challenges, particularly due to existing long-term contracts with circuits like Silverstone, the Hungaroring, and the Red Bull Ring.
But Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, Zandvoort, and Imola all face upcoming contract renewals, while the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix is likely to retain its annual spot on the calendar.
Despite these challenges, the popularity and financial success of Formula 1 have attracted interest from numerous countries and circuits.
Potential new venues include a second race in Saudi Arabia at the yet-to-be-completed Qiddiya Circuit, a return to Africa with Rwanda as a possible host, and a potential revival of the Argentine Grand Prix.
Currently, F1’s governing Concorde Agreement caps the number of races at 25 annually, though Domenicali sees the current 24-race calendar as “balanced.”
“We believe that the balance we have in terms of numbers is the right one, so 24 is the balanced number that we feel is right.”
This balance allows F1 to explore its options while maintaining manageable logistics for teams and organizers.
With a rotating schedule, Domenicali believes that F1 will have the flexibility to adapt its calendar to changing demands and growth areas, while still preserving the brand’s integrity across key markets.
"I do believe that all the propositions that are coming on our table are just giving us the possibility to make even better choices for our future," he said.
"So as always, we need to be balanced, knowing that we cannot follow only the pure direct financial proposition, because that is different from region to region, but it's up to us to propose to our stakeholders the right choice.”
In the coming months, fans can expect further details as Formula 1 continues to refine a calendar that both honors its European roots and embraces the rising demand for global exposure.
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