Karun Chandhok says he would drop ‘fantastic’ circuit from the F1 calendar after ‘outgrown’ verdict

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As Liberty Media plans to expand the Formula 1 calendar to more countries within the 24-race limit, it could mean the future is uncertain for some races.

Madrid is set to join the calendar in 2026 which has prompted plans for one or more races to rotate on the calendar, given contracts are set to run out in the next couple of years.

The current Concorde Agreement allows for up to 25 races in a season, but the consensus among those in the paddock is that the limit is 24 Grands Prix in a season.

Spa has been tipped to potentially be one of the races that could rotate with Zandvoort in the future, although the future of the Belgian Grand Prix could be in doubt after recent comments made by a politician in the country.

Karun Chandhok has revealed which race he would most like to see return to the calendar, and which one he would replace it with when speaking on Sky Sports.

Karun Chandhok would axe Imola in favour of German Grand Prix return

Monaco has been criticised in the past for being a circuit that F1 has outgrown after this year’s race saw a total of four position exchanges. Granted this was due to the red flag rules, but the circuit characteristics are also present in some other permanent venues.

Imola is known for being a very narrow track and difficult to overtake, as was evidenced by the battle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen this season as the Dutchman clung on to victory by the smallest margin.

Chandhok believes F1 should look at racing around other circuits instead of Imola and wants to see a return of one race.

“I would actually drop Imola. It’s a fantastic venue to go to, obviously historic. And I think in qualifying it’s a very exciting track to watch. But it’s too narrow for the racing nowadays with the size of the cars we’ve got. I think F1 has kind of outgrown it. We’re not seeing much overtaking there,” said Chandhok.

“Which one would I replace it with? I feel like we need a German Grand Prix back on the track. It feels really strange to have an F1 calendar without a German Grand Prix and without a French Grand Prix. But in particular with Mercedes and so much German influence in the sport with Vettel and Schumacher, it feels a bit odd not to have a German Grand Prix.”

Which continent has the most F1 races in 2024?

As part of its World Championship status in FIA competitions, F1 races are held in at least four continents.

F1 was primarily held in European circuits in the early years, with their first overseas race held in Argentina in 1953. The Las Vegas Street Circuit is the 77th circuit to host a Grand Prix.

In the history of the championship, Europe has held the most races by continent with Italy leading the way with 107 races since 1950, with Monza hosting the most races of any circuit at 74.

Germany has also held 79 races but has not appeared on the calendar since 2018. Timo Glock believes a return to Hockenheim could happen after it was recently sold to a private company, although the interest of F1 in Germany has waned given the lack of drivers from the country.