Eau Rouge, Spa-Francorchamps, 2023, generic — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 Analysis

Why F1's rotating calendar is a good thing

Conor Rafter

Wednesday 25 June 2025 06:00 Updated: 15:33

Formula 1 sent shockwaves throughout the racing world when CEO Stefano Domenicali revealed that Belgium’s Spa Francorchamps would only host Grand Prix events in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031.

In 2028 and 2030, the historic venue will be replaced by another circuit. Rumours of a rotating calendar had swirled for several years – but this announcement heralded a new dawn for the sport. As was made clear by Spa’s temporary exodus, no track is safe from a potential ousting.

Many are of the mind that Formula 1 should maintain the same set of races each year to protect its heritage. Few fans, if any, have backed the decision. Yet, some notable benefits could arise from a changeable calendar. From reduced costs to improved fan experiences – we explore the full upswing potential here

Formula 1 thrives on change

Adding fresh venues to the Formula 1 calendar is nothing new. The sport has welcomed a flurry of new tracks over the last two decades – with a smattering of fan-favourites returning after hiatuses. There is precedent for this precise circumstance.

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For example, Zandvoort, Imola and Shanghai all returned to the championship’s lineup in recent years. Las Vegas, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have each joined the action, too.

Looking further back, Hockenheim and the Nurburgring shared the German Grand Prix between 2007 and 2014. When the latter dropped out of the calendar, the former picked up the baton on a biennial basis.

And in 2026, Imola will once again depart the Formula 1 schedule in favour of a newly developed Madrid circuit.

As reported by racing and betting expert Jennie Gow for FIRST, Formula 1 is all about pushing towards the “ultimate limit”. If that is to remain true, the sport must continue to test its mettle in unfamiliar, ever-changing territory.

Circumventing economic frailties

Hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix demands significant investment from organisers. For some longstanding venues, these year-on-year costs have risen to an untenable degree.

A rotating calendar would ease the economic burden faced by many track operators. Rather than delivering less-than-perfect fan experiences each year, circuits can refocus their funding to provide best-in-class race weekends.

Thus, with fears of steep annual investment allayed, further new venues may be encouraged to enter the fray.

Bolstered Formula 1 investment

Nobody wants to hear how much money Formula 1’s bigwigs make through brand-new contracts.

However, the reality is this: Formula 1 relies upon these deep pockets to continue to flourish on a global scale. Teams and drivers need consistent investment from major advertisers and partners.

Without this ongoing influx of cash, the sport would shift into reverse and drift backwards.

Formula 1 can score vital funding from fresh fan investment and enhanced backing from partners by traversing previously untouched ground, allowing for product refinement across various sectors.

Return of the old guard

In 2020, Formula 1 reworked its calendar to align with a temporarily shortened season as the world faced an unprecedented crisis.

This paved the way for limited-term contracts with tracks such as Portimao Circuit, Mugello, Istanbul Park and the Nurburgring.

A slippery Istanbul track saw drivers’ concentration tested, Portimao’s twisty turns caught a chunk of the grid off guard, while Mugello presented a dramatic safety car restart.

These unforeseen circumstances presented last-minute challenges for all on the grid – and fans reaped the rewards in the form of unabashed entertainment. Similar results are to be expected from a modernised, dynamic calendar.

Global circuit expansion

African, Asian and South American nations are all eager to increase their Formula 1 standing — with Rwanda, South Africa, South Korea and Argentina all disclosing interest in hosting races.

A year-on-year-off contract would permit venues to test suitability through phased integration. This should alleviate budgetary concerns and, crucially, provide additional time for organisers to prepare.

Bottom line: rotation is necessary

As Formula 1 evolves in an increasingly connected world, there exists an unwavering need to cater to a breadth of audiences. Yet, the current calendar predominantly promotes Europe and North America.

Rotating the host cities to reflect an expansive worldwide fanbase will allow for bolstered engagement and, perhaps most importantly, reinvigorated racing. If any sport is built for a rotational schedule on an international scale, it’s this one.

Rotating the Formula 1 calendar represents a controversial change, no doubt, but it is one that must be made to future-proof the sport.

Formula 1 Stefano Domenicali Imola Zandvoort