Osaka aims for F1 with the Expo, India studies a new project | FormulaPassion

We are already thinking about the future

Aside from the images of the new McLaren livery released by the team for the 2024 season, the majority of the car presentations have yet to take place, and once concluded the collective attention will focus on pre-season testing. Tests that will serve to lay the foundations for tackling a long championship, characterized by 24 GPs on the calendar. Yet, in relation to the race weekends and the nations that will host F1, there is no shortage of projects aimed at realization of new circuits in the future, all before the start of this year's world championship.

Waiting for Madrid

The most discussed for months, but now ready to be made official shortly according to Spanish sources, is related to the semi-urban route of Madrid. The circuit, repeatedly indicated as a possible replacement for Barcelona from 2026 or 2027, should have been definitively approved by Formula 1, to the point that Stefano Domenicali will announce its entry during a scheduled presentation event Tuesday 23 January.

India is moving

While waiting to understand what the actual developments will be in the Spanish capital, other continents are also studying new projects. While FIA ​​President Mohammed ben Sulayem called for more attention to reintroduce a GP in Africa, in Asia There are two countries that are thinking about F1. In a category that is experiencing a boom in popularity around the world, this effect is also present in India. The Circus held three editions within Indian borders from 2011 to 2013, again at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. Still used by MotoGP, the circuit remains the only one to meet the F1 criteria, even if the government State of Gujarat is thinking about creating a new plant. At present it is simply a project, without a budget or a precise date on the start of work. What is missing, above all, is the official announcement regarding the construction of the track.

Osaka's candidacy

The situation is more serious, however Japan. The country is present on the calendar with Suzuka, which however will have to reach an agreement with F1 to remain on the calendar also in 2025 and in the coming years. However, the organizers are under pressure from the candidacy of Osaka, third largest city in the nation. Not having a permanent circuit, the local Tourist Board has already declared its intention to build one urban layout: “Formula 1 is a business model that can be exploited on a private sector basis”commented the President of the Tourism Board, with the GP which could arrive in conjunction with the 2025 Expo, scheduled for Osaka. A project that has the full support of Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka and former Mayor of the city.