F1 expecting to stick with 21-race calendar for 2020

Formula 1 CEO and chairman Chase Carey expects the series to retain a 21-race calendar for the 2020 season despite the planned addition of two new events to the schedule.

F1 announced last December that the inaugural Vietnam Grand Prix would be held in Hanoi in April 2020, and is reported to have a deal in principle to add a Dutch Grand Prix to the calendar with a return to Zandvoort next spring.

Despite plans to add two races to the schedule, F1 chief Carey said in a Liberty Media investors’ call that he anticipates the calendar to remain at 21 races next year, with two existing rounds set to drop off.

“In addition to Hanoi, we also have an agreement in principle to add another new circuit to our calendar in 2020,” Carey said.

“We’ve not finalized the number of races in 2020, but currently expect it to be 21, the same as 2019.

“Obviously, the math means that we will not be able to renew all our current races. We value our partnership with our existing promoters.

“However, we believe it is important for our fans and the growth of our sport and business that we both add exciting new locations and manage a limited level of churn.”

The Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona is set to be chopped from the F1 calendar, while doubts remain over events such as the German Grand Prix and the Mexican Grand Prix, both of which are out of contract for 2020.

While the British Grand Prix at Silverstone will also be out of contract, a fresh deal to secure the event’s future is expected to be struck in the near future.

Carey said that F1 expected the number of races on the calendar to “increase slightly” after 2020, but that this would be managed in a sensible, gradual way.

“We’re in the fortunate position of having more demand than supply, but recognize we need to manage that dynamic in a thoughtful manner,” Carey said.

“We want to make sure we’re maximizing the opportunities for the sports and fans, not rush to decisions, and we do believe the limited expansion of the calendar and churn are important for creating a fresh and exciting dynamic for our fans and for our ongoing growth.”