F1 News

Another Portuguese GP? Two races in Spain? Only one spot left on the calendar

15 January 2021 at 11:28

This week, Formula 1 presented a revised calendar for the 2021 season. The Australian GP has moved to a spot in November and the Chinese Grand Prix is missing. In the absence of China and Imola to fill the gap, a "TBC" spot remains. These are the contenders for the race.

Portimao

In 2020 the circuit was suddenly on the calendar for the first time due to all the changes that took place on the calendar due to the coronavirus. The track is a true rollercoaster and was loved by the drivers. The race itself was spectacular due to a few drops of rain and a very strong start from the McLarens. It is a shame that the Portuguese Grand Prix is ​​not yet a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar.

Istanbul Park

Istanbul Park is a gem drawn by Hermann Tilke. Like Portimao and multiple circuits on this list, Istanbul Park got a chance to be on the calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The weekend was exciting and an unexpected pole-sitter Lance Stroll emerged. However, this was largely due to the wet conditions combined with the new, slippery asphalt. Turkey may not traditionally be a motorsport country, but they have a great track that deserves a shot at a dry weather race after 2020 where the drivers can open the throttle. However, the chance of this happening seems small, because there is only a week between the "TBC" spot and the Spanish GP.

Mugello

The likelihood of Mugello returning to the calendar appears to be very slim. It was unique that one country was allowed to organise three Grands Prix in one season. Italy was only the second country ever since 1982 to host three in a year. Still, Mugello should not be missing from this list. Nestled in the Tuscan mountains is the circuit owned by Ferrari. The ties of Ferrari and Formula 1 can always play a role in this.

Nurburgring

The Eifel Grand Prix was a new name on the 2020 calendar, but the track where the race was held was by no means unknown. The Nurburgring is interested in Formula 1 and would like to bring the circus back to Germany. A free spot on the calendar is therefore always a reason for the legendary circuit to contact Formula 1. Hockenheim has organised the German Grand Prix in the last few years, but that circuit seems to have a lot less chance.

Magny-Cours

Yes, the name Magny-Cours has not yet made it into the rumour circuit, but it would be a perfect stop between Italy and Spain. The circuit is up to date and has hosted several Formula 1 races in the past. The French Grand Prix was cancelled last season due to the coronavirus and this could be an ideal time to catch up with that race.

Jerez

Jerez already announced last season that the circuit was interested in a Formula 1 race. The race eventually went to Portugal. Two Spanish races could well be possible, especially because it is logistically easy. Although the chance seems small, because Jerez, like Magny-Cours, is not yet passing by in the rumour circuit.

Second race at Imola or Catalunya

In 2020 we saw twice that a race was held on the exact same circuit within a week. However, this did not make the races any less exciting. The races in Austria were quite different from each other, despite the fact that Mercedes did win both Grands Prix. The two races at Silverstone were won by different teams. And by taking different tyre compounds to the races there is some extra tension.

Which circuit do you hope to see again on the free spot? Vote in the poll and let us know in the comments why you choose this circuit!

This article was written and originally published by Bonne on the Dutch edition of GPblog.com.