Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that Portugal, Turkey and Germany are all expressing serious interest in hosting future World Championship rounds, even as the sport’s calendar hits its maximum under current agreements.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix in Monza, the F1 boss acknowledged strong external demand but cautioned that available slots are scarce and only those with substantial financial backing and sustainability credentials will stand a chance.
Domenicali noted that beyond the traditional power grabs, there were multiple contenders keen to join the grid. “There are many requests to be included in the world calendar,” he said, pointing specifically to Portugal, Turkey and the recently revived Hockenheim — the German circuit now under new ownership. Yet, he warned: “The most important thing for potential hosts to understand is that there are very few available spots.”
The F1 calendar is currently locked at 24 events as per the Concorde Agreement between the championship promoter and the teams, giving little breathing room for expansion. Several future venues have already been lined up: Imola recently hosted its final Grand Prix, Zandvoort’s contract ends in 2026, and Barcelona is exploring alternate arrangements. Against this backdrop, Domenicali stressed that new hosts might need to enter into rotation agreements to gain entry.
“It will be difficult,” admitted the CEO, underlining the magnitude of investment required to stage a modern Grand Prix. Government or public support, he said, is almost indispensable. “Around 90 percent of promoters receive contributions from their governments or public entities. Without this support, it’s very difficult.”
Moreover, Domenicali highlighted the rising demands of sustainability. Promoters must now align with the sport’s carbon-neutral targets by 2030 — setting a high bar for energy consumption, emissions and overall environmental footprint. “Events that host 450,000 to 500,000 people will face energy challenges. We are working seriously on these issues, and promoters must align themselves. Those who are not ready will not be able to organize the event.”
Some venues appear well-positioned to meet that test. Turkey’s Istanbul Park, for instance, has long been a fan favorite. The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED), backed by the government, recently took over the venue and has held intensive talks with both F1 and the FIA. Their aim: to secure a long-term return to the championship. “There is a strong commitment from the government to bring Turkey back into the Formula 1 calendar with a permanent and long-term agreement,” said TOSFED president Eren Uclertopragi.
In Portugal’s case, while not yet confirmed by state authorities, the country’s previous hosting of a race — such as the brief return at the Algarve circuit in 2020–2021 — serves as a strong precedent. Madrid is another example of recent expansion, with Spain set to add a race around IFEMA Madrid from 2026, introducing a circuit powered by renewable energy and carbon-reducing infrastructure. F1’s leadership has praised that initiative as forward-looking and sustainable.
Germany, meanwhile, represents a symbolic and commercial lure. While Hockenheim and the Nürburgring have faced financial difficulties in recent years, Domenicali has pointed out that Germany remains an “important market” and expressed regret that, until now, “nobody from Germany is ringing the bell.” The new ownership of Hockenheim nevertheless puts the venue back in play.
Historically, the context behind these renewed bids goes back further. Portimão in Portugal staged a memorable GP during the COVID-19 reshuffling; Istanbul Park has already returned twice in 2020–2021; Germany’s historic circuits, while dormant, still carry deep legacy; and Spain’s planned Madrid street circuit is being built with sustainability at its core. Amid a tight global calendar, the pressure to innovate coexistence — through alternate slots or sustainability-first builds — is mounting.