Stefano Domenicali receives letter of intent amid possible return of Korean GP on F1 calendar

Stefano Domenicali receives letter of intent amid possible return of Korean GP on F1 calendar. South Korea also aims to reclaim a spot in the Formula 1 calendar.

The city of Incheon, close to Korea’s capital Seoul, has submitted a letter of intent to Stefano Domenicali to host a GP on a new city circuit. Along with Turkey, South Korea also aims to reclaim a spot in the Formula 1 calendar. Indeed, from 2010 to 2013, the city of Yeongam hosted the Korean GP at the Korea International Circuit, before exiting the Formula 1 scene from the following season, despite the event being provisionally included in the 2014 world championship calendar and having a seven-year agreement with an option for a further five.

Despite its brief appearance, the Yeongam GP has provided some unforgettable moments in Formula 1 history. For instance, who could forget the first edition in 2010, which saw Fernando Alonso triumph in his first year with Scuderia Ferrari after a race heavily affected by torrential rain.

The 2012 edition was also memorable, with Sebastian Vettel prevailing over his then-teammate Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso, allowing the German to reclaim the championship lead from the Spaniard in what turned out to be one of the most fiercely contested seasons ever for the title.

Now, South Korea is attempting a comeback, but in a new location and with a city circuit. According to The Independent, the city of Incheon has submitted a letter of intent to Formula 1 to host a new race on a city circuit starting from 2027, and perhaps even from 2026, when the new technical regulations come into effect.

Yoo Jeong-bok, the mayor of Incheon, reportedly delivered the letter personally to Stefano Domenicali during the recent Suzuka meeting, later stating: “Incheon is the best place to host F1, as it has a transport network such as Incheon airport and port, and many luxury accommodation facilities. We will begin large-scale discussions to host F1 in Incheon.”

With the Madrid Grand Prix already confirmed for 2026, Formula 1 could potentially exceed ten city circuits on the calendar, should the bid receive formal approval.