Formula 1 is already looking closely at how its 2028 calendar could evolve, with Hockenheim, Thailand, South Africa, Rwanda and Argentina all featuring in exploratory discussions over future races. According to information emerging from sources close to the championship, F1 officials are considering potential collaborations with circuits and countries capable of offering new settings while strengthening the sport’s global presence.
The five destinations represent very different opportunities. Hockenheim would restore one of Formula 1’s historic European venues, while Thailand offers access to a growing Asian market. South Africa and Argentina could revive long-standing connections with the championship, and Rwanda would represent an entirely new destination. The discussions form part of F1’s continuing effort to balance tradition, geographic expansion and commercial growth while maintaining a calendar of around 24 Grands Prix.
The longer-term planning comes as Formula 1 also prepares its nearer-term schedules, with the championship already outlining when the 2027 F1 calendar is expected to take shape. Attention, however, is increasingly turning towards what the following season could look like.
Hockenheim could bring Germany back to the F1 calendar
Hockenheim remains one of the most recognisable names in Formula 1 history. The German circuit has staged numerous editions of the German Grand Prix and is remembered by generations of fans for races associated with demanding corners and, particularly on its historic layout, long high-speed sections.
A return would likely appeal to a significant section of Formula 1’s European audience, combining the heritage of an established Grand Prix venue with modern infrastructure. The possibility has become increasingly relevant as Hockenheim has opened discussions over a Formula 1 comeback.
The ongoing contacts suggest F1 is seriously considering whether Germany can regain a place on the schedule. The country’s established motorsport following and long history of organising major international events remain important factors in its favour.
A German Grand Prix would also help preserve a substantial European presence as Formula 1 continues expanding into markets further afield. For the teams, Hockenheim would offer a familiar European destination in terms of travel, organisation and environmental conditions, potentially helping balance the logistical demands created by more distant races.
Thailand emerges as a major Asian opportunity for F1
Thailand is one of the Asian countries viewed as having considerable potential for Formula 1. Its expanding fan base and developing infrastructure make it an attractive prospect as the championship looks to consolidate and grow its presence across the continent.
A Thai Grand Prix could introduce Formula 1 to a young and dynamic audience while also opening further commercial opportunities in a rapidly developing market. The project has already advanced beyond initial interest, with Thailand pursuing a potential Formula 1 race from 2028.
The country therefore represents a different type of proposition from Hockenheim. Rather than restoring an established European race, a Thai event would allow Formula 1 to add another destination in a region considered important to the sport’s future growth.
South Africa and Rwanda offer two different routes back to Africa
Africa is another major part of Formula 1’s long-term calendar discussions, with South Africa and Rwanda representing two contrasting possibilities.
South Africa has an established motorsport tradition and offers the possibility of restoring a historic relationship with Formula 1. Returning to the country would not only revive a familiar chapter of the championship’s history but could also help expand the sport across a continent where considerable potential for growth remains.
Rwanda, by contrast, would represent an entirely new Formula 1 destination. The country has been investing in infrastructure and sporting promotion, and hosting a Grand Prix could become a major demonstration of its ability to attract an international event on the scale of Formula 1.
The two candidates are already part of a broader discussion over how Formula 1 could return to the African continent. Both possibilities fit into a wider strategy aimed at making the championship’s geographic footprint increasingly representative on a global level.
Argentina could revive F1’s historic South American connection
Argentina is another destination attracting significant interest. The South American country has a long and passionate relationship with Formula 1, having staged memorable Grands Prix and retained an enthusiastic and knowledgeable motorsport audience.
A return would reconnect the championship with a market carrying substantial historical and emotional significance. Unlike Rwanda, Argentina would be reviving an existing Formula 1 tradition rather than creating a completely new one.
Plans surrounding Buenos Aires have already been developing, with Argentina working on a renewed proposal designed to attract Formula 1 back to the country. A successful bid would give the championship another significant South American presence while reconnecting with a fan base that has retained a strong attachment to Grand Prix racing.
F1 wants to balance historic races with new global markets
Taken together, the discussions involving these five destinations illustrate the direction Formula 1 is considering for its future calendar. Hockenheim would restore an important piece of European racing history, while Thailand, South Africa, Rwanda and Argentina would provide a mixture of new markets and revived relationships.
The underlying objective remains an appropriately balanced calendar of 24 high-level Grands Prix without compromising circuit standards, event infrastructure or safety. The discussions are still exploratory, meaning the five destinations should not be considered confirmed additions to the 2028 championship.
Nevertheless, the range of options reflects Formula 1’s determination to remain flexible as the championship responds to changing geopolitical circumstances, commercial opportunities and demand from new host nations. Calendar planning is increasingly about finding the right balance between maintaining established races and creating opportunities in markets capable of expanding the sport’s global reach.
For supporters, each potential destination brings a different appeal. Hockenheim and Argentina offer nostalgia and the possibility of restoring races with established histories, South Africa could rebuild another historic connection, while Thailand and Rwanda would open very different chapters for Formula 1.
With discussions continuing across several continents, the shape of the 2028 calendar remains far from settled. What is already becoming clear is that Formula 1 is exploring both its past and new territory as it searches for the combination of tradition, innovation and global reach that will define the next phase of the championship.
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