India and Japan are at the center of ambitious projects for the construction of new circuits that could replace those already present in the F1 calendar. In particular that of Suzuka, which risks being supplanted by an ambitious rival, Osaka.
Formula 1 in 2024 will lead the teams to compete in 24 race weekends in the most disparate parts of the world. An increasingly complex calendar that gives fewer guarantees to the historic GPs, forced to fight with new entries, especially the eastern ones, to preserve their place. F1, in fact, does not deny itself to anyone. Especially at the stages that have rather large portfolios and ambitions. In 2023 the Las Vegas Grand Prix made its debut, the eighth street circuit on the calendar, and from 2026, the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, always a citizen.
India is thinking of a second F1 track
India is looking to maximize its global footprint in motorsport, and this has prompted it to look at returning to F1 with a new track. Already present in the top category in 2011, 2012, 2013, it currently has only one track capable of hosting cutting-edge motoring events, namely the Buddh International Circuit near New Delhi, currently active with MotoGP. Relations with F1 broke down in 2014 due to a tax dispute with the former Uttar Pradesh government.
However, the current Gujarat government has once again placed interest in the top category by sending proposals for a feasibility study and master plan for an F1 circuit at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. A business district currently under construction on the banks of the Sabarmati River, which aims to be a hub for India's international economic relations. So why not also host an F1 race there where all this money will flow?
At the moment, however, the project is still in the study phase. Furthermore, the uncertainties related to financing and recent complications with the Formula E, could influence the country's ambitions to return to F1.
Does Japan risk losing Suzuka to Osaka?
In Japan, the situation is already more serious with Osaka's bid to host an F1 Grand Prix. The local tourism board is considering building a city strip on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay. With the support of Governor Yoshimura, this proposal could come to fruition in conjunction with the 2025 Expo, representing a unique opportunity for Japan's third largest city. Suzuka, which has held a place on the calendar since 2009, currently has a contract which ties it to F1 until 2024. Despite Suzuka's history, Osaka sees a potential business in the private sector, turning F1 into a full business model.
Japan Today reports that in a press conference held Thursday, Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura has declared"We would very much like to make the Osaka F1 Grand Prix happen. If we can attract investment from the world, we will be able to do things that we cannot currently do in Japan. Racing on a street circuit could be achievable in Yumeshima.”
Also, the Japanese release Sankei shimbun also reported comments made by Hiroshi Mizohata, president of the Osaka Tourism Bureau, who said: “The F1 racing series has developed into a business model that can be operated on a private sector basis. F1 is no longer a car race in itself, but has transformed into a complete entertainment programme. If we overcome each step step by step, it is possible to attract a competitor.”
The pressure is therefore great, with Suzuka's need to renew the contract and the growing demand for new events in an increasingly crowded F1 calendar.
