The Formula 1 Calendar ThreadFormula 1

[Liquid]

It's always down to money, always. It can be offset or complemented by a driver from that country doing well who will bring in extra investment; Max Verstappen single-handedly brought back the Dutch Grand Prix. It wasn't down to any nostalgic or competitive instincts to race at Zandvoort again. Without him, there's no way there'd be a Dutch GP in the 2020s.

 

[Dennisch]

It's always down to money, always. It can be offset or complemented by a driver from that country doing well who will bring in extra investment; Max Verstappen single-handedly brought back the Dutch Grand Prix. It wasn't down to any nostalgic or competitive instincts to race at Zandvoort again. Without him, there's no way there'd be a Dutch GP in the 2020s.

Max' presence also gave Spa a massively needed financial injection and pretty much saved it for a decade or 2.

 

[desmodan]

Put 'em in something like Superkarts. They all started their careers in karting, more than enough room to pass, well over 100mph which is fine for Monaco.

I've been saying this for years.
Monaco provides a visual spectacle unlike any other circuit, but it is obvious to anyone with an IQ more than 12 that it has been unsuitable for F1 for decades. Superkarts would give, spectators a race they want to watch and drivers a race where they all stood a chance of points rather than the lottery we have now where the finish order is decided on Saturday by whoever has the least compromised lap.

 

[Fezzik]

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/no-corner-quite-like-it-how-f1-put-the-mad-in-madring/10830958/

Even with the novelty of the big banked turn it still looks a very dull track & location. Hopefully it surprises like Miami and the racing is actually good.


Game version of the track for an idea of how it'll go (minus the Kimi-esque track limit abuse )

 

[Liquid]

I quite like the look of it from the video. High-speed and maximum revs for quite a large part of the lap; could see some mechanical DNFs.

 

[Jimlaad43]

We still don't know what the end of the season's calendar will be like. Qatar and Abu Dhabi are at threat if the Ceasefire between USA and Iran doesn't hold, while Bahrain and Saudi could still be slotted back in if F1 can get away with it. However, plans for fallback races are in place, with a second weekend in Vegas, or an extra race at Barcelona and/or Portimao is also an option.

This calendar decision needs to be made before the summer break

What you need to know about F1's big 2026 calendar decision

F1 has a fallback option if it needs to find a replacement for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs - but will it need that alternative?

www.the-race.com

The main issue with going even in the Ceasefire doesn't seem to necessarily be the safety of everyone going - that can be guaranteed - but the insurance premiums that no companies are willing to ensure the entire paddock to visit the Middle East as is.

The fact that the orange manchild is getting bored of the Ceasefire again probably means we could be heading for the cancellation of all Middle East races. We shall see if money talks...

Trump threatens Iran and says truce is over, as Iranian official warns of regional retaliation - live updates

The US president is giving a news conference now at the Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey - watch live on this page.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Jimlaad43]

The current WEC calendar finishes the season in Qatar and Bahrain. With the new flare-up and umpteenth breaking of the Ceasefire over Schrödinger's Strait of Hormuz, a calendar change seems imminent.

The current "set to" and not confirmed change being reported is to finish the season in October and November at Barcelona and Monza respectively.

WEC Set To Finish In Europe, Middle East Conflict Continues

WEC Season Set To Finish In Europe As Middle East Conflict Continues

www.dailysportscar.com

F1 is clearly now in the same position, so it seems odd that they're still trying to shoehorn Bahrain in. Surely, of the four Middle Eastern rounds, Saudi is the one to try and make happen, as it is the one NOT on the Persian Gulf and therefore seems the safest of the four (2022 notwithstanding).

However, as the situation is constantly in a state of superposition and with US midterms approaching and the current incumbent wanting to find another distraction, you can guarantee this mess isn't over, so F1 needs to see reality and cancel all the Middle Eastern races for this year, and also schedule them towards the end of 2027 if they want any chance of hosting them next year too. We await the announcement of what they do. Apparently F1 has to do 22 races to fulfil broadcasting contracts, so there will be a need for a minimum two new races if all four Middle Eastern races are eventually and sensibly cancelled.

 

[Blitz24]

The current WEC calendar finishes the season in Qatar and Bahrain. With the new flare-up and umpteenth breaking of the Ceasefire over Schrödinger's Strait of Hormuz, a calendar change seems imminent.

The current "set to" and not confirmed change being reported is to finish the season in October and November at Barcelona and Monza respectively.

WEC Set To Finish In Europe, Middle East Conflict Continues

WEC Season Set To Finish In Europe As Middle East Conflict Continues

www.dailysportscar.com

F1 is clearly now in the same position, so it seems odd that they're still trying to shoehorn Bahrain in. Surely, of the four Middle Eastern rounds, Saudi is the one to try and make happen, as it is the one NOT on the Persian Gulf and therefore seems the safest of the four (2022 notwithstanding).

However, as the situation is constantly in a state of superposition and with US midterms approaching and the current incumbent wanting to find another distraction, you can guarantee this mess isn't over, so F1 needs to see reality and cancel all the Middle Eastern races for this year, and also schedule them towards the end of 2027 if they want any chance of hosting them next year too. We await the announcement of what they do. Apparently F1 has to do 22 races to fulfil broadcasting contracts, so there will be a need for a minimum two new races if all four Middle Eastern races are eventually and sensibly cancelled.

F1 probably weighing the $$$ vs safety. I assume rational heads will prevail but you never know.

Racing at Vegas on the 29th will be doable in terms of no conflict with NFL (Raiders are away both the 22nd and 29th). NHL hasn't released schedule yet and they could probably move around any CFB games.