Deal keeps ‘heritage’ track Suzuka on calendar
A five-year contract extension for the Japanese Grand Prix will keep Suzuka on the Formula 1 calendar until the end of 2029. While the renewal isn’t as long as deals given to Australia (2035) and Bahrain (2026), it improves upon the Honda-owned circuit’s previous three-year arrangements. And it leaves the British GP as the last remaining race with no guaranteed future beyond the end of this season, although a new deal is believed to be in the pipeline.
Osaka, Japan’s third-most populous city, recently expressed interest in hosting F1. While city officials say their race would co-exist with – not replace – Suzuka, it’s unlikely that the country could land two spots on the schedule when expressions of interest from other potential host venues are in decent supply, especially since Suzuka and Osaka are only 85 miles apart. Mercedes sponsor Petronas is said to be keen on reviving the Malaysian GP too.
The new Suzuka contract is a win for old-school permanent circuits after F1 recently announced that the Spanish GP will move to
Madrid in 2026 on a 10-year deal. That blow to Barcelona hasn’t stopped the circuit from pledging €50million towards renovation. Due to be completed before this June’s race, the revamp includes remodelling the pit complex, and the construction of a new covered pit building terrace to house the Paddock Club.
It also features a new control tower and a walkway across the back straight that will connect the paddock with the stadium area and will house a large hospitality zone. The circuit is hoping to remain on the calendar but under a revised name, such as the Barcelona GP, Catalan GP or European GP.