F1 confirm brand NEW deal ahead of 2025 season......see details

F1 confirm brand NEW deal ahead of 2025 season……see details

Formula 1 has confirmed an exciting new deal ahead of the 2025 season, ensuring the continued presence of the Chinese Grand Prix on the racing calendar for the next five years. This agreement, which extends Formula 1’s relationship with the Chinese Grand Prix until 2030, is a significant move for the sport as it continues to grow its global reach and popularity.

Earlier this week, F1 shocked the motorsport world with the announcement that the Dutch Grand Prix, hosted at Zandvoort, would be leaving the calendar after 2026. The Dutch race had gained a massive following, especially due to the success of local hero Max Verstappen, who has dominated the Formula 1 scene in recent years. Despite the race’s growing popularity, it will only remain on the calendar for two more seasons, 2025 and 2026, before it is removed. This change marks the end of an era for the Dutch Grand Prix, which has been a highlight of the F1 calendar since its return in 2021.

However, as one race leaves, another race has secured its place for the foreseeable future. The Chinese Grand Prix, which made a return to the F1 calendar in 2023 after a five-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has signed a brand-new contract with F1. The deal guarantees that the race will be held in Shanghai every year until at least 2030, making it a long-term fixture in the sport’s schedule.

The Chinese Grand Prix has been part of the Formula 1 calendar since 2004, with the inaugural race being won by Ferrari’s Rubens Barrichello. The race quickly became a key fixture in the sport, with the Shanghai International Circuit known for its unique layout and challenging corners. After a long absence from the calendar due to the pandemic, the race made its return in 2023, and it was none other than Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion, who triumphed on the track.

Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, expressed his excitement about the new deal, highlighting the importance of the Chinese Grand Prix to the sport’s continued expansion in Asia. He described the return to China as a fantastic moment for F1, with the event drawing large crowds and garnering significant enthusiasm from the local fanbase. Domenicali also praised the Shanghai International Circuit as a superb venue for racing, noting that it provides a rigorous challenge for drivers. The CEO further emphasized the growing support for Formula 1 in China, which has been evident year after year, and stated his delight at F1’s ongoing partnership with the Chinese Grand Prix.

The announcement of the new contract also comes as a testament to the strong relationship between Formula 1 and the promoters of the Chinese Grand Prix. Domenicali took the opportunity to thank the event promoters for their commitment and passion for the sport, acknowledging their role in helping to bring the race back after the long absence caused by the pandemic. He also expressed his enthusiasm for the continued collaboration and the opportunity to return to Shanghai in 2024, signaling that F1 fans in China can look forward to more thrilling races in the years to come.

The Chinese Grand Prix’s return to the F1 calendar has been a much-anticipated moment, with the Shanghai circuit offering a spectacular backdrop for one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport events. F1’s presence in China is seen as an important step in expanding the sport’s global footprint, particularly in Asia, where motorsport has been growing in popularity. With the new deal in place, Formula 1 will continue to build its presence in China and foster a growing fanbase in the region.

In conclusion, while the departure of Zandvoort after 2026 will mark the end of one chapter for Formula 1, the renewal of the Chinese Grand Prix’s contract is a significant move for the sport’s future. The five-year deal guarantees that Shanghai will remain a key location on the F1 calendar until 2030, ensuring that fans in China will continue to enjoy the excitement of Formula 1 racing for many years to come. The Shanghai International Circuit, with its challenging layout and stunning setting, will continue to provide a memorable experience for drivers and fans alike. As F1 continues to grow globally, the sport’s partnership with China is set to be a crucial part of its continued success.