Formula 1 has capped its season at 24 races, forcing promoters to compete for the few slots left. Rising popularity has spurred a wave of bids from cities and governments, but officials who prematurely proclaim a Grand Prix as secured often misread the scale of a Liberty Media‑era event. F1 chief Stefano Domenicali stresses that only sustainable, multi‑year visions will earn a place on the calendar.

The Red Bull Ring in Austria secured a renewal through 2041, while Melbourne, Madrid, Bahrain and Montreal all enjoy agreements lasting at least ten years. Hungary also features a long‑term pact, reinforcing the European core. Such longevity lets promoters amortise costly infrastructure—new paddocks or hospitality districts—over a predictable horizon, reducing the risk of one‑off events.

With the calendar fixed, adding races in the United States would require dropping an existing slot, a prospect Domenicali rejects as unbalanced. Mexico’s deal expires in 2028, yet authorities already seek renewal, underscoring the series’ preference for stability over expansion. Ultimately, F1’s 24‑race formula hinges on markets that can deliver long‑term commercial and logistical certainty globally for all stakeholders today.