F1: Hockenheim, Portimao, Istanbul in talks for calendar slots

F1 considering calendar changes, rotational circuits

LWOS has previously reported on numerous venues and their efforts to secure a place in Formula 1.

Turkey’s Istanbul Park has been mentioned in a few occasions this year, with organisers working hard to reach an agreement.

Stefano Domenicali, F1’s CEO, has spoken positively about the Turkish GP.

A return to Istanbul Park is therefore a real possibility, especially after 2026 – when a few circuits will be on expiring contracts.

One of those circuits is Barcelona, whish is fighting for dear life to stay in Formula 1.

The announcement of a new Grand Prix in Madrid for 2026 (on a 10-year contract) spelt trouble for the Catalunya circuit.

On paper, the chances of two races in Spain are relatively slim.

Nevertheless, organisers and key stakeholders are still in talks with F1 to secure a new contract.

In a recent interview, Stefano Domenicali mentioned both these circuits – alongside two others – as being in negotiations for F1 contracts:

“Barcelona is also interested in an alternate slot,” he told it.motorsport.com.

“Then there’s Portugal, Turkey, and recently even Hockenheim, which has new ownership and has shown signs of interest.

“The most important thing for anyone interested in hosting a Grand Prix to understand, is that there are limited spaces available.

“So anyone who sits at the table must have a certain financial strength.

“Today, the situation is different than a few years ago, not only in terms of what’s needed to acquire the event but also in terms of what needs to be invested.

“Let’s not forget that we’re pushing hard on sustainability; all promoters will have to be ready to comply with 2030 carbon-neutral standards.”

How the schedule could evolve in 2026 and beyond

Something Domenicali mentioned which could become of growing importance moving forward is the idea of alternate slots.

In essence, F1 is likely to have some circuits on the calendar on a biennial basis.

The Belgian GP, for example, recently signed a new multi-year agreement with Formula 1.

However, after 2027, Spa will only feature on the calendar in 2029 and 2031 – therefore being absent in 2028 and 2030.

This model is likely something F1 will pursue further, with circuits that lack the necessary criteria for a permanent slot, but that still want a place on the calendar.

Barcelona might have to settle for a semi-permanent place, given that the Spanish Capital will host Grand Prix for many years.

Some of the other circuits mentioned, like Istanbul Park, Hockenheim and Portimao, would all be welcome full-time races.

Alongside Zandvoort, COTA, Barcelona and Baku’s contracts all expire in 2026.

Imola’s deal ended this year, creating some room for manoeuvre on the 2027 schedule.

The question is how many of these bidding circuits, from Hockenheim to Istanbul, will put pen to paper with FOM (Formula One Management).

There has certainly been more noise from Istanbul and Portimao in recent months, with the the Portuguese government even announcing Portimao’s progress towards a place on the 2027 calendar.

Regardless, the results of these talks should become clearer over the next twelve months.