Formula 1 reportedly signs ‘letter of intent’ to race in 10m person city ‘from 2026 or 2027’

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The debate over the number of Grand Prix that Formula 1 should race at each season has been rumbling on for some time.

The 2024 calendar is the busiest in the history of the sport, with 24 Grand Prix – and six Sprint Races – making up this year’s schedule.

A report from Brazilian outlet UOL suggests that F1 have committed to a potential 25^th race as early as 2026.

Under Liberty Media, Formula 1 have made a concerted effort to expand the sport’s reach around the world.

F1 used to be very Europe-centric but the most recent additions have been either across the Atlantic or in the Middle East.

Las Vegas, Miami, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have seen the calendar grow to, although not always to the benefit of the drivers, teams or media.

However, it appears as though Formula 1 aren’t in any mood to slow down their expansion around the world.

It’s not been suggested that Formula 1 could return to South Korea in the next few years.

It would make sense to host another race in the region given how many Grand Prix already take place in that part of Asia.

Formula 1 sign ‘letter of intent’ to return to South Korea

The report from UOL suggests that after months of negotiations, a ‘letter of intent’ was signed in Japan to take the next step towards adding another Grand Prix to the calendar.

The race will be hosted in the capital of South Korea, Seoul which suggests it could be another street circuit in the 10m person city.

That has worked very well in Singapore and the night race is one of the most exciting events each season.

It was also the only race last year that Red Bull couldn’t win with Carlos Sainz taking a precious victory.

Formula 1 have several calendar changes on the horizon already and a return to South Korea would only add to this evolution.

What other Formula 1 tracks are changing?

There’s already one new circuit that will be raced at for the first time very soon.

It was announced earlier in the year that the Spanish Grand Prix will switch from Barcelona to a hybrid street circuit in Madrid.

There has also been talk that Suzuka may no longer be the host of the Japanese Grand Prix, with Osaka making a bid to host the race.

Saudi Arabia is one of the newest tracks on the grid, but they may move away from the street circuit in Jeddah as well.

A Mario Kart-style track in Qiddiya is going to replace the Corniche Circuit as the host track and the likes of Fernando Alonso have already had their say on the circuit.

However, a return to South Korea for Formula 1 would – according to UOL – also require a change in the sport’s rules.

Right now, the maximum number of races allowed is 24, although the proposed race in Seoul would be the 25^th race when it joins the grid in either ‘2026 or 2027’.

What happened at previous South Korean Grand Prix?

Formula 1 first raced in South Korea in 2010 at a track in Yeongam, a small city on the south-west coast.

Fernando Alonso won the first Grand Prix at the Korean International Circuit after both Red Bulls retired.

However, the next three races were all won by Sebastian Vettel before the 2014 race was cancelled.

The Grand Prix was initially included on the 2015 calendar as well but the race never materialised.

Now, Formula 1 may return to South Korea and their aim to compete in the biggest cities in the world would see them heading to another Asian metropolis, with a space after the Singapore GP eyed in the calendar.