As of: January 25, 2024, 9:36 a.m
By: Jannek Ringen
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The race track in Suzuka is an integral part of the Formula 1 racing calendar. However, it could be replaced next year.
Osaka - Formula 1 will start the 2024 season in just over a month. After the dominance shown by Max Verstappen last year, the new year in the premier class of motorsport is eagerly awaited.
Meanwhile, planning for the 2025 season is already underway in the background. A spectacular street circuit is under discussion.
Formula 1 season 2024 |
|
|---|---|
Begin: |
March 2, 2024 (Bahrain GP) |
End: |
December 8, 2024 (Abu Dhabi GP) |
Run: |
24 |
Japanese Grand Prix – Suzuka about to end?
Since 1963, the Suzuka racetrack has been an integral part of the Formula 1 racing calendar, with the exception of minor interruptions. The Japanese Grand Prix is very popular and is a highlight for spectators, drivers and teams every year.
But this year could be the last time a Grand Prix will take place on the traditional track.
Suzuka's contract with Formula 1 expires this year.
There are said to have been no discussions about an extension so far, so the Suzuka International Racing Course could be on the Formula 1 racing calendar for the last time this year.
However, there is still a possibility that there will still be a Japanese Grand Prix.
Is there another street circuit on the Formula 1 calendar?
© IMAGO / Eibner
Another street circuit for Formula 1?
Osaka is interested
Formula 1 could move within Japan, at least according to initial thoughts about a potential race in the metropolis of Osaka.
After there were first rumors in 2019 about a city race in Japan as part of Expo 2025, which is taking place in Osaka, the Japanese daily newspaper
Sankei Shimbun
took them up again and reported on the plans of the local authorities.
The Japanese market is particularly important for Formula 1, which is why it is difficult to imagine the Japanese Grand Prix being eliminated.
After Monaco was the only street circuit in the Formula 1 racing calendar for a long time, Japan could become the seventh race in the narrow streets of a large city after Saudi Arabia, Miami, Monaco, Azerbaijan, Singapore and Las Vegas.
Osaka city circuit should also be financed from the private sector
The plans for the street circuit in Osaka seem to have already gained momentum, as the Japanese newspaper reports.
“Formula 1 is no longer just a motorsport race, but has developed into a complete entertainment program,” explained Osaka's tourism boss Hiroshi Mizohata, who also stated that there were opportunities to develop the racetrack from the private sector finance.
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If the city finds suitable donors, the venture could be realized.
“We welcome any discussion in the private sector to take on this challenge.
I think there are some challenges but we would cooperate as best we can,” Mizohata added.
(jari)