One of the ever-present sources of discussion in F1 is the calendar. The yearly schedule, with negotiations for contract extension and new hosts constantly taking place, is a key part of Liberty Media’s responsibilities.
At present, there are a number of circuits with expiring contracts at the end of 2026.
Although some venues will sign new agreements with F1, other are likely to be replaced by new venues.
Several countries and cities, including previous hosts and altogether new locations, are negotiating with F1 to join the calendar.
Based on a recent announcement by Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, Portimao is on track to making a return in 2026.
2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, Sunday – LAT Images
Portugal “ready to formalise return” of Portimao to F1 in 2027
When Formula 1 scrambled to put together a calendar in the second half of 2020, many new circuits stepped up and became part of the schedule.
One of these venues was Portimao, which hosted a rain-effected Grand Prix in 2020.
The Portuguese track was also on the F1 calendar in 2021, before eventually losing its slot on the schedule.
Still, both races were generally well-received by the public, with Portimao offering good racing opportunities and a unique track layout.
Although traditional European circuits have found themselves increasingly at risk of losing their places in F1, this is not to say new tracks on the continent cannot take their place.
In the case of Portugal, negotiations of returning to the sport are understood to be advanced.
As revealed by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, the Iberian nation’s comeback to F1 is within touching distance:
“One of the circumstances that most contributes to the promotion of this region is the major events.
“We secured the [Portimão circuit to be in] MotoGP, the flagship event of world motorcycling, for 2025 and 2026.
“And I can tell you that we have everything ready to formalize the return of Formula 1 to the Algarve next year, in 2027.
“These events require some financial effort on the part of the government,” Montenegro explained.
“But they provide a return, both direct and indirect, through promotion, that is truly worthwhile.”
2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, Friday – Wolfgang Wilhelm
More calendar changes under consideration
Of course, Portimao is not the only venue in negotiations with F1.
As reported by LWOS earlier this year, Turkey’s Istanbul Park is also working to make a comeback.
Circuit organisers are understood to have held discussions with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, which could see Turkey return for the first time since 2021.
One factor to consider ahead of next year is the new Spanish GP in Madrid.
Whilst the Spanish Capital will host a race alongside Barcelona next year, Barcelona is one of the circuits that could lose its slot after 2026.
With that said, there are concerns about whether the new circuit in Madrid will be completed in time.
In this scenario, the likes of Istanbul Park and Portimao could act as last-minute replacements if necessary.
Beyond this, both circuits will continue negotiations with F1 – amidst what is an increasingly competitive landscape to join the F1 calendar.
As next year’s season unfolds, more clarity about which circuits will stay on the calendar will emerge.
Main photo: (via Mercedes media gallery)