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As the F1 community grows globally, F1 is considering interesting alternative venues for the future.
Could the popularity of the sport change the traditional track destinations? Let’s see what’s unfolding.
Miami made its debut in May. Las Vegas is confirmed for next year November. South Africa is in advanced talks. There’s a suspicion that historical venues may disappear such as the French Grand Prix and Belgian Grand Prix.
Destined for global domination, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali declared, “It is up to us to try to find the right balance, considering what are the venues which would like to be in F1, what are the historical values we need to see on the calendar. There are some promoters who have expiring agreements, and probably some of the current grands prix will no longer be part of the calendar.”
It seems as though the idea is to have a race on every single continent. Hopefully the essence and spirit of the race remains despite all of the potential future changes.
China
One Chinese Grand Prix was challenging enough regarding the pandemic disruption. A second Chinese Grand Prix is in question. Shanghai could return in 2023.
With Shanghai native Zhou Guanyu on the track, the fan base there has increased. The Alfa Romeo driver has entered 9 races with his highest finish in 8th and highest grid position in 10th. Let’s hope they’re able to get back on track.
Colombia
Remembering the days of former Williams and McLaren driver, Juan Pablo Montoya is sure to excite. His first race was the 2001 Australian Grand Prix. From there, he entered 95 Grands Prix, got 30 podiums, 13 pole positions, 12 fastest laps, 7 wins and amassed 307 career points. The Colombian’s last race was the United States Grand Prix in 2006.
The race location would be the northern city of Barranquilla. The mayor of Barranquilla, Jaime Pumarejo is on board to build. Adaptations can be made to support a circuit. If the track gets up to FIA Grade 1 standards, it’s go time.