London Grand Prix? 'F1 boss opens book on new calendar'

Under the reign of Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali, the king class is increasingly venturing out to new, or renewed, circuits. Speaking to Sky Sports during the Australian Grand Prix, the Italian addressed the possible new destinations where the racing circus could descend.

This season, the Formula 1 calendar features 23 races. The regulations currently stipulate a maximum of 25 races per season. With the return of the Chinese Grand Prix next year, there is one last spot left on the crowded calendar for a race, although there is little chance that the FOM will eventually opt for more than 24 races. Several drivers, including Max Verstappen, have frequently expressed difficulty with the intensive schedule.

Baku and Spa-Francorchamps have still not reached an agreement to host a Grand Prix in 2024 as well. The chances of the iconic circuit through the Ardennes disappearing from the calendar are considerable. This presents opportunities for other candidates. For example, the organisers of the Kyalami circuit in South Africa informed GPblog that they hope to meet all the conditions to host a Grand Prix next year as soon as possible.

But there is another contender to welcome the ten teams soon: London. There are reportedly plans to hold a street race through the British capital's ports from 2026. Stefano Domenicali elaborates on a possible race in the metropolis. A Grand Prix in London? "Why not? It would be great," says the Italian. As far as FOM is concerned, negotiations can be started. "We are ready to discuss it because London is where we have the offices, so it would be not bad - easy commuting."

But isn't Formula 1 losing its charm with all these new street circuits? For many loyal fans of the sport, it hurts that circuits like Monza, Monaco and Spa-Francorchamps are not unsafe. "Today, the money is huge," the former Ferrari team boss argues. "When 'historical' is only connected to looking behind, that is a problem. When 'historical' is a value, if you are focused on developing the sport for the future, it's a great value," the boss cryptically stated.