F1 circuit contracts: money rules the world, European classics in danger

The Formula 1 championship is well underway and has been adding new circuits to its calendar in recent years. At their expense, otherwise very traditional destinations will have to disappear. For example, the contract ends after this season for Spain or the famous Monaco. On the other hand, Bahrain and Australia, where the queen of motorsport will continue to race until the mid-30s, will be the longest.

For the other two destinations, the unfortunately familiar rule that money makes the world go round is confirmed. In fact, Qatar will be racing until 2032 and Saudi Arabia until 2030.

It is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where the danger of the track is regularly criticised, but also the uncertainty around the track. This year, the race was held despite a terrorist attack on a nearby oil refinery.

Many more destinations will be raced before the end of the third decade. The North American cities of Miami and Montreal have signed contracts until 2031. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the race in Dubai, a traditional highlight of the season, has a one-year shorter contract.

On the other side of the contractual barricade are four European destinations. And the loss of the grand prix of Monaco and Belgium in particular would certainly be very noticeable. The other two routes with contracts until 2022 are in France and Austria. Mexico and Hungary have a contract one year longer.

The longest track in Europe, according to current contracts, will be Hungary. Near Budapest, spectators can look forward to races until 2027. Czech and Slovak fans have at least some certainty of being able to go and see the queen of motorsport.

It will be interesting to watch the development of the racing destinations in the context of current trends. The increasing popularity of F1 in the United States and new money opportunities in the Middle East are likely to change the habits of the motorsport world.

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