{"id":352974,"date":"2025-12-17T02:24:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T02:24:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/352974\/"},"modified":"2025-12-17T02:24:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T02:24:08","slug":"portuguese-grand-prix-gets-surprise-new-deal-from-2027-formula-1-calendar-schedule-contract-expiries-european-circuits-speculation-rumours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/352974\/","title":{"rendered":"Portuguese Grand Prix gets surprise new deal from 2027, Formula 1 calendar, schedule, contract expiries, European circuits, speculation, rumours"},"content":{"rendered":"

Formula 1 will make a shock return to Portugal in a two-year deal to race at Portimao\u2019s Aut\u00f3dromo Internacional do Algarve from 2027.<\/p>\n

The Iberian circuit, on Portugal\u2019s southern Atlantic coast and around 175 kilometres south of capital Lisbon, last hosted a grand prix in 2021. It was the second of two races at the track during the pandemic, when Formula 1 needed European venues to bolster the calendar amid travel restrictions.<\/p>\n

Formula 1 previously raced in Portugal in 1984\u201396, but in Estoril, on the outskirts of Lisbon.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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Portugal also hosted three championship grands prix in 1958\u201360, two of which were held on a street circuit in Porto and one at the defunct Monsanto track near Lisbon.<\/p>\n

Portimao was a hit when it made its 2020 debut, with drivers praising its undulating 4.6-kilometre layout, which marked it apart from other circuits on the calendar.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a really, really hardcore circuit,\u201d said Lewis Hamilton.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are places that you can\u2019t see where you\u2019re going. You\u2019re looking at the sky for periods of time. Understanding where your braking points are \u2014 there\u2019s no reference when you\u2019re looking at the sky.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt really is one of the most challenging circuits that I\u2019ve been to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hamilton won both editions of the race in Portimao. His win in 2020 was his 92nd career victory, surpassing Michael Schumacher\u2019s previous record of 91.<\/p>\n

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: \u201cI\u2019m delighted to see Portimao return to the Formula 1 calendar and for the sport to continue to ignite the passion of our incredible Portuguese fanbase.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the chequered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two-year hosting contract is underwritten by the Portuguese government and its tourism agency, with the circuit operator acting as promoter.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are thrilled to welcome Formula 1 back to Portugal and to the Aut\u00f3dromo Internacional do Algarve,\u201d circuit chairman Jaime Costa said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Portuguese Grand Prix will showcase the excellence of our circuit and the passion of our fans, delivering a powerful boost for our tourism, region and community.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis achievement was only made possible with the continuous support \u2014 since the beginning \u2014 of the Portuguese government.<\/p>\n

\u201cPortimao\u2019s unique \u2018rollercoaster\u2019 layout will challenge the best drivers in the world and create a spectacle that fans will love.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe look forward to creating unforgettable moments and setting new standards of excellence on and off the track.\u201d<\/p>\n

Portugal could find itself hosting a sprint in its debut race, with Formula 1 hoping to dramatically expand the number of sprint races in 2027<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Paddock speculation suggests the number of sprints could rise to 10 or more two years from now.<\/p>\n

Securing the Concorde agreement \u2014 the document that sets out the sport\u2019s governance and commercial structure \u2014 this week will likely have included provisions to this effect.<\/p>\n

PIT TALK PODCAST: After a rare three-way title decider in Abu Dhabi, Michael and Matt run the rule over the 2025 grid to pick the season\u2019s 10 best performers \u2014 and the drivers deserving of dishonourable mentions.<\/p>\n

WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE THE F1 CALENDAR?<\/p>\n

The Portugal effectively replaces the Dutch Grand Prix on the 2027 calendar, with organisers in the Netherlands declining to renew terms with Formula 1 beyond the next of 2026.<\/p>\n

But the sport is still short one race after 2026 if it\u2019s to continue with its maxed-out 24-race schedule.<\/p>\n

Despite Imola reaching the end of its contract this year, its place on the calendar has been taken by a new race in Madrid, which will become the host of the Spanish Grand Prix until at least the end of 2035.<\/p>\n

Barcelona, which has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991, will remain on the calendar for one more season, but its future beyond the end of 2026 is unclear.<\/p>\n

It means Formula 1 has only 23 races contracted for 2027, including Portugal.<\/p>\n

That number could drop to as low as 21 the following season. The historic Belgian Grand Prix\u2019s alternating contract will see it skip races in 2028 and 2030, while the Las Vegas Grand Prix is out of contract at the end of 2027 \u2014 though both F1 and local authorities intend for the race to continue into the next decade.<\/p>\n

The race shortage could see Barcelona given a reprieve. Organisers have been undertaking infrastructure upgrades in a bid to retain a place on the calendar, and a new deal for 2027, 2028 and 2030 would completement Belgium\u2019s on-off deal.<\/p>\n

The second available space from 2028 could be snapped up by the proposed Thai Grand Prix on the streets of Bangkok<\/a>, multibillion-dollar plans for which were approved in June this year.<\/p>\n

Domenicali visited Thailand in March to discuss plans with then prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who later travelled to the Monaco Grand Prix to further negotiations.<\/p>\n

Reports suggested a memorandum of understanding was signed around that time.<\/p>\n

However, Paetongtarn has since been removed from office in a political crisis triggered by her handling of the country\u2019s ongoing border conflict with Cambodia.<\/p>\n

Her successor Anutin Charnvirakul, from the rival Bhumjaithai Party, has yet to comment on the grand prix bid, though he extended MotoGP\u2019s contract to race in Buriram until 2031.<\/p>\n

The country is set for a general election in February.<\/p>\n

Could ‘Favouritism’ force Piastri move? | 09:51<\/p>\n

Beyond Thailand, there are advanced plans to add a second grand prix in Saudi Arabia, where a new circuit in the planned city of Qiddiya, on the outskirts of capital Riyadh, is under construction and expected to be ready in 2028 or 2029.<\/p>\n

Organisers originally planned to move the race from its current venue in Jeddah, but rumours have swirled in recent years that the resource-rich kingdom could bid to host two grands prix annually, though organisers have denied conversations to that effect have taken place.<\/p>\n

Formula 1 also has long-running aspirations to add a race in Africa, with South Africa and Rwanda the leading bidders, though neither is far enough down the road to be considered imminent.<\/p>\n

Argentina could make a Formula 1 return if Franco Colapinto can establish a place on the grid beyond next season. The country\u2019s motorcycle grand prix will move to an upgraded Aut\u00f3dromo de Buenos Aires in 2027. It\u2019s the same circuit hosted the Formula 1 Argentine Grand Prix on 20 occasions between 1953 and 1998.<\/p>\n

There are also rumours about a revival of the South Korean Grand Prix, while China has previously been touted for a second race. Osaka is also publicly mulling its odds of a race in the coming years.<\/p>\n

Periodic speculation over further expansion in the United States to New York City or Chicago has been quashed by Formula 1.<\/p>\n

Grand Prix contracts expiring<\/p>\n

2025: Emilia-Romagna*<\/p>\n

2026: Netherlands*, Spain (Barcelona)<\/p>\n

2027: Las Vegas<\/p>\n

2028: Mexico City, Portugal, Singapore<\/p>\n

2029: Japan<\/p>\n

2030: Abu Dhabi, Azerbaijan, China, Sao Paulo, Saudi Arabia<\/p>\n

2031: Belgium, Italy (Monza)<\/p>\n

2032: Hungary, Qatar<\/p>\n

2034: Great Britain, United States (Austin)<\/p>\n

2035: Canada, Monaco, Spain (Madrid)<\/p>\n

2036: Bahrain<\/p>\n

2037: Australia<\/p>\n

2041: Austria, Miami<\/p>\n

*not renewed<\/p>\n

Awkward Hamilton radio exchange | 01:13<\/p>\n

F1 2026 CALENDAR<\/p>\n

The 2026 Formula 1 calendar starts with the Australian Grand Prix on the second Sunday in March, but the season will start much earlier for most teams.<\/p>\n

With fresh regulations governing cars and power units, a five-day private test for all teams will be held from on 26\u201330 January.<\/p>\n

Two three-days public tests will then be held in Bahrain on 11\u201313 and 18\u201320 February.<\/p>\n

Formula 1 calendar, 2026<\/p>\n

1. Australian Grand Prix: 8 March<\/p>\n

2. Chinese Grand Prix^: 15 March<\/p>\n

3. Japanese Grand Prix: 29 March<\/p>\n

4. Bahrain Grand Prix: 12 April (13 April AEST)<\/p>\n

5. Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: 19 April (20 April AEST)<\/p>\n

6. Miami Grand Prix^: 3 May (4 May AEST)<\/p>\n

7. Canadian Grand Prix^: 24 May (25 May AEST)<\/p>\n

8. Monaco Grand Prix: 7 June<\/p>\n

9. Barcelona Grand Prix: 14 June<\/p>\n

10. Austrian Grand Prix: 28 June<\/p>\n

11. British Grand Prix^: 5 July (6 July AEST)<\/p>\n

12. Belgian Grand Prix: 19 July<\/p>\n

13. Hungarian Grand Prix: 26 July<\/p>\n

14. Dutch Grand Prix^: 23 August<\/p>\n

15. Italian Grand Prix: 6 September<\/p>\n

16. Spanish Grand Prix: 13 September<\/p>\n

17. Azerbaijan Grand Prix: 26 September<\/p>\n

18. Singapore Grand Prix^: 11 October<\/p>\n

19. United States Grand Prix: 25 October (26 October AEDT)<\/p>\n

20. Mexico City Grand Prix: 1 November (2 November AEDT)<\/p>\n

21. Sao Paulo Grand Prix: 8 November (9 November AEDT)<\/p>\n

22. Las Vegas Grand Prix: 21 November (22 November AEDT)<\/p>\n

23. Qatar Grand Prix: 29 November (30 November AEDT)<\/p>\n

24. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: 6 December (7 December AEDT)<\/p>\n

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