F1 Calendar: Imola GP attendee reignites new F1 race rumors

Stefano Domenicali, CEO Formula 1 — Photo: © IMAGO

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Imola GP attendee reignites new F1 race rumors

Could F1 continue to grow after a high-profile visit in Imola?

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Tuesday 21 May 2024 16:00

A prospective Formula 1 entry has revealed itself following the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

F1 has recently soared in popularity across the globe, widening its audience particularly in America.

The sport’s growth can be attributed to Liberty Media’s takeover in 2017, who allowed unprecedented access into the paddock via the Netflix series Drive to Survive.

Not only has F1’s fanbase grown, but also the sport itself, adding a host of new races to the calendar including Las Vegas and Miami, with teams such as Andretti interested in joining the grid.

Drive to Survive has helped F1 grow in popularity

Can F1 continue to rise?

Article continues under video

A fourth US Grand Prix looks set to join the calendar, with a recent trademark application hinting at a race in Chicago.

Moreover, a Madrid F1 circuit was confirmed on a ten-year deal to run from 2026, replacing Spain’s current race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The 2024 season hosts 24 races alone, with drivers’ such as Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen complaining about the length of the season.

Thailand also want to host a grand prix, their prime minister Srettha Thavisin confirming these intentions following a visit to Imola this weekend.

Thavisin met with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, as well as other stakeholders to discuss a Bangkok street race in 2027 or 2028.

“In line with the Thai Government’s intention to bring F1 racing to Thailand in the near future, I visited the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari and had a discussion with executives of the Formula One Group,” Thavisin wrote on social media.

“This resonates with our policy to place Thailand on the global radar for international events and activities.”

In line with the Thai Government’s intention to bring F1 racing to Thailand in the near future, I visited the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari and had a discussion with executives of the Formula One Group. This resonates with our policy to place Thailand on the global radar for… pic.twitter.com/yhIhgAhcoA
— Srettha Thavisin (@Thavisin) May 19, 2024