Formula 1 making serious discussions to hold Grand Prix races in South Asia and Africa - Reports

Formula 1 is reportedly exploring the possibility of expanding its calendar to include races in South Asia and Africa, marking a significant shift in the sport's global strategy. This move comes as F1 aims to tap into new markets and bring the excitement of the sport to regions that have long been absent from the race calendar.

One of the most intriguing developments is the consideration of Thailand and South Korea as potential hosts for future Grand Prix events. Both countries are under serious consideration, with F1 keen to establish a presence in South Asia. This region, known for its growing interest in motorsport, represents a significant opportunity for F1 to expand its fan base and further globalize the sport.

In addition to South Asia, Africa is also on F1's radar. The sport has not held a race on the continent since the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993. Despite previous attempts to revive the event, negotiations fell through a few years ago.

However, F1 president Stefano Domenicali has revealed that a "serious" bid from Rwanda is currently being evaluated. This development highlights F1's commitment to returning to Africa, a region with a rich motorsport heritage and a passionate fanbase.

Will some existing races miss out?

The potential expansion into South Asia and Africa raises questions about the future of some existing races. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy, for example, could be at risk of being dropped from the calendar.

With Italy already hosting two races, F1 may look to reduce its European footprint to make room for new events. Additionally, there has been speculation about rotating some of the European races, with Belgium and the Netherlands potentially taking turns to host their respective Grands Prix.

Canada is also under scrutiny, with the Montreal Grand Prix facing pressure to improve its organizational standards. Recent criticisms suggest that the event has not met F1's expectations, putting its future on the calendar in doubt. Even the iconic Silverstone circuit in the UK is not immune to concerns, as traffic chaos during this year's race weekend has drawn the ire of F1 officials.

As F1 continues to evolve and explore new opportunities, the potential inclusion of South Asia and Africa on the race calendar signals a bold move to broaden the sport's appeal. These discussions underscore F1's ambition to become a truly global phenomenon, bringing the thrill of Grand Prix racing to new audiences around the world.