In the beginning it was just a fast solution for the Corona crisis. In the end, the new locations and the comebacks of old racetracks in the 2020 Formula 1 season were a complete success. For this reason, Formula 1 does not rule out a rotation for certain Grands Prix from 2022.
The corona crisis made F1 management inventive last year. Six of the 17 races took place either on new or new old racetracks. Mugello and Portimao had never made it onto the Grand Prix calendar before. The Nürburgring was out for seven years, Istanbul for nine years and Imola for 14 years. The Outer Sakhir Circuit had never been used before.
The six races were more than just a stopgap. In fact, they generated unexpected hype in the media, showing that sometimes, very simple means can generate attention.
At Mugello and Portimao, the racetracks were the star. Old school, spectacular curves, a varied layout, everything packed into a great landscape. The short track in Bahrain was an outlier with lap times of 55 seconds, which presented aerodynamicists and racing strategists with new tasks.
The reunion with old friends also worked. Imola, because there is so much history in it and the track is an eye-catcher. You could get over the fact that there were only ten overtaking maneuvers. Still, the race was good.
As expected, the story of the Nürburgring was written by the weather. The date in mid-October in the Eifel was chosen with care. Istanbul gave the GP circus an asphalt that nobody understood and, in combination with rain, an entertaining Grand Prix. Coincidence also helped a little that the eighth Turkish Grand Prix became a classic.
Every two years is cheaper
The success of the new races made the Formula 1 strategists think. “That was a certain lesson for us. We are thinking about how we can incorporate this factor of the new and unfamiliar in the future,” admits Formula 1 sporting director Ross Brawn. The calendar for 2021 is ready. Something can only change if the Corona crisis makes it impossible for some races to take place.
The Australian GP has already been moved to November. The GP China is out for the time being. This has made room for Imola and Portimao, who are given a second chance. As far as the travel restrictions are concerned, things are most likely to wobble in Singapore and Japan at the moment. It is difficult or impossible to get into both countries at the moment. Japan will have to reconsider this stance if the Olympics are to take place.
Liberty is still optimistic. Should races have to be canceled this year, replacements would already be available. Allegedly also the Nürburgring and Hockenheim. According to information from auto motor und sport, those responsible for both racetracks have already talked to F1 boss Stefano Domenicali about how we could work together to ensure that Germany will find a regular place on the calendar again in the coming years.
Joker races at longer intervals
In the medium term, Ross Brawn does not rule out a rotation between certain racetracks at two to three events per year. Especially those who only want to pay the entry fee every other year. This not only saves money. After a one-year break, local interest has increased again. And that attracts more viewers.
Portugal is such a case and would be happy if there was a corresponding counterpart in the years in between. What relieves certain organizers would offer Formula 1 more variety. A win-win business.
A joker race on a particularly spectacular track, which may only join the calendar once or at longer intervals, is also conceivable. But that affects a street circuit rather than a permanent one.
Brawn says: “With new tracks, a lot depends on what it costs to make them usable and safe for Formula 1. With a permanent track, that may not be worthwhile. A street circuit is something different. Everyone has to do it each year to be rebuilt.”
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