Formula 1 has reopened discussions over a possible German Grand Prix return as part of its wider F1 calendar expansion plans. Stefano Domenicali confirmed that the talks concern the medium term rather than the immediate future, while negotiations involving Africa, South America and the Far East are also progressing.
Interest in hosting Formula 1 has continued to grow as the championship’s commercial and audience indicators rise. Historic European motorsport nations such as Germany and France are seeking opportunities alongside potential new destinations, while China and Japan have submitted requests to stage second races.
Demand for places on the future future F1 calendar continues to grow
Formula 1 is moving quickly both on and off the track. Following confirmation that the Bahrain Grand Prix will be recovered on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar through a race in Malaysia on 4 October, attention in the paddock is already turning towards the championship’s longer-term plans.
If the geopolitical situation in the Persian Gulf remains unchanged, alternative solutions may need to be considered for both the end of the current season and the beginning of the next. Imola has unexpectedly returned to contention as a possible venue for a Grand Prix if changes become necessary.
However, Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali is also looking much further ahead. His telephone continues to ring because numerous countries want to host a race. Formula 1 remains a highly desirable global event, both for new and exotic destinations and for historic motorsport venues such as Hockenheim.
Germany reopens talks over a Formula 1 return
Stefano Domenicali identified Germany and France as two European markets where Formula 1 could potentially expand its presence. Speaking at a press conference also attended by FormulaPassion.it, the Italian explained that commercial interest in both countries remained strong.
“I’ll mention two cases in Europe, Germany and France,” Stefano Domenicali said. “The relationship with Canal+ is fantastic, and we are not organising a French Grand Prix—not because we do not want to, but because France would like to push me to say: ‘Come on, let’s do it!’ My telephone is always available to organise a race and, if they want to do it, we are ready.”
France last hosted Formula 1 as part of the regular championship calendar at Paul Ricard, while Germany has previously held races at both Hockenheim and the Nürburgring. Domenicali confirmed that discussions with German representatives have now resumed, although any potential return would form part of Formula 1’s medium-term strategy.
“In Germany, we have re-established contact to see whether they might be able to have a race again in the future, in the medium term rather than the short term,” he continued. “But we have a television agreement with RTL and, in the new tender for the German market, we will soon have more than one operator interested in participating for the first time.”
“It is another sign that attention is becoming even greater in Europe, which is our most important market.”
Africa and South America feature in F1 calendar expansion talks
Formula 1’s plans are not limited to Europe. Stefano Domenicali said negotiations over a possible race in Africa were advancing positively, while additional discussions were taking place with interested parties in South America.
“I think I can say that negotiations are progressing very well in Africa,” he explained. “Things happen quickly, and I had almost forgotten that next year we will once again have Portugal and Turkey. We are conducting further negotiations in South America and have other discussions under way in the Far East.”
India is known to be among the countries interested in bringing Formula 1 back, although Stefano Domenicali did not identify individual candidates in the Far East during his remarks. Portugal and Turkey, meanwhile, are set to return as Formula 1 works towards its plans for the 2027 season. Further clarity is expected when Formula 1 presents its 2027 calendar.
Formula 1 resists requests for second races in China and Japan
Existing host countries are also seeking a greater presence on the championship schedule. According to Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 has received additional requests from China and Japan to stage a second Grand Prix in each market.
For the moment, however, the championship intends to retain only one race in China and one in Japan. Formula 1 believes it must first consolidate and strengthen its position in that part of the world before considering further expansion.
“One thing I can tell you is that we have received additional requests from China, as well as from Japan, for a second race,” Stefano Domenicali said. “For the moment, however, we want to limit ourselves to a single Grand Prix because we still need to consolidate and strengthen the market in that region before considering other options.”
The level of interest leaves Formula 1 with no shortage of possible destinations. The challenge for Stefano Domenicali will be balancing expansion into new markets with the preservation or revival of historic European races, while also accounting for geopolitical uncertainty and the practical limits of an already extensive calendar.
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