F1 May Cut Canadian and Imola Races for Asia and Africa Expansion
- F1 may remove Canadian Grand Prix and Imola races from the calendar.
- The decision is part of F1's strategy to expand into Asia and Africa.
- Fans of the Canadian and Imola races are concerned about their future in F1.
The 2024 Formula 1 season is set to be the longest in the sport's history, featuring 24 races. However, the future of some current race venues, particularly the Canadian Grand Prix, is in jeopardy due to logistical and organizational challenges. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, renowned for its iconic status, has faced significant issues, including flooding of hospitality units and access problems caused by local police measures aimed at reducing congestion. These complications have raised concerns for the FIA regarding security and operational efficiency. Despite being under contract until 2031, the race promoter, Octane Racing Group, is under pressure to resolve these issues. Meanwhile, the future of the Imola circuit is also uncertain, as F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali hinted that Italy may not retain both its races beyond 2025. Imola has a storied history, having hosted the San Marino Grand Prix for many years before its return as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in 2020. In contrast, Monza, the oldest purpose-built racing circuit in mainland Europe, continues to be a staple of the Italian Grand Prix. Looking ahead, there are discussions about potential new venues, including a proposed street circuit in Bangkok, which could debut in 2027 or 2028. Domenicali expressed interest in expanding F1's presence in Africa, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and investment to ensure successful events in the region. While immediate changes are not anticipated, the coming months will be crucial for shaping the future of the sport.