Formula 1’s relentless global expansion has made securing a long-term race contract more valuable than ever. While classic venues like Monaco, Monza, and Spa have managed to ink extensions into the next decade, three circuits on the 2025 calendar remain in limbo—and their futures couldn’t be more different.
As the power struggle between tradition and new markets intensifies, let’s break down the three Grand Prix circuits facing contract expiration next season:
- 🇲🇽 Mexico City Grand Prix – Will Pérez’s Exit Hurt Its Future?
- 🇮🇹 Imola – A Historic Venue Fighting for Survival
- 🇺🇸 Las Vegas – The Billion-Dollar Gamble That’s Almost a Sure Bet
🇲🇽 Mexico City GP: Checo’s F1 Exit Could Complicate Negotiations
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is one of F1’s most electrifying race venues, with tens of thousands of passionate fans packing the iconic Foro Sol stadium section every year. But with Sergio Pérez out at Red Bull after 2024, the Mexican GP’s long-term future suddenly looks shaky.
F1’s modern business model prioritizes local heroes, and Checo’s presence has been a key factor in Mexico’s popularity as a race destination. His dismissal from Red Bull (and potential exit from F1 entirely) could make it harder to justify a long-term extension.
But Mexico City Grand Prix Director Alejandro Soberon remains optimistic:
“We have a much better show on the track today than what we had five years ago, so I think competition and quality of the spectacle is going to be enough to sustain the interest in the crowd.”
“As the promoter of the race, we are very excited, trying to figure out a way to extend our contract, regardless of Checo.”
Still, without a top-tier Mexican driver on the grid, expect F1 to push for higher hosting fees—and that could be a dealbreaker.
🔮 Prediction: 50/50 chance of renewal. If Mexico can justify strong attendance without Pérez, expect an extension. If not, it could be in trouble.
🇮🇹 Imola: Will Rotation Save This F1 Classic?
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola has been a fan favorite since its return in 2020, offering a technical, old-school challenge that few modern circuits can match.
But its contract expires after 2025, and with Monza securing a deal through 2031, F1 may not want two Italian races every season—especially as demand for new races in Africa and Asia grows.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has floated the idea of race rotation, and Imola could survive by alternating with Monza or another European race.
“We have some news to share very, very soon with regard to the possibility in the mid-term to have some rotational European Grand Prix.”
That could be the best-case scenario for Imola, as its chances of remaining a permanent calendar fixture are slim.
🔮 Prediction: Likely to rotate with another race, meaning it will stay but not annually.
🇺🇸 Las Vegas: The Surest Bet in F1?
If there’s one “expiring” contract that’s not really in danger, it’s Las Vegas.
The glitzy, billion-dollar event debuted in 2023 with F1 acting as its own promoter, making it a key part of the sport’s long-term U.S. expansion strategy.
While the race initially signed a three-year deal (2023–2025), Las Vegas already has an option to extend for up to 10 years thanks to a resolution passed ahead of its inaugural event.
Clark County Commissioner James Gibson made it clear:
“We have a three-year contract with Formula 1, but we anticipate a lifetime in partnership. This will open the pathway to be able to do it for at least 10 years.”
Given F1’s investment in Vegas, along with its prime late-season slot under the lights, expect an official extension announcement sooner rather than later.
🔮 Prediction: As close to a guaranteed renewal as possible. Expect Vegas to be a long-term fixture on the calendar.
What’s Next? 2025 Expiring Contracts vs. Future Renewals
Beyond 2025, other high-profile circuits will face the renewal challenge, including:
🚨 2026 Expirations
- 🇪🇸 Barcelona (Likely to be replaced by Madrid in 2026)
- 🇳🇱 Zandvoort (Confirmed to be dropping off the calendar)
- 🇦🇿 Baku (Could be in danger due to F1’s shifting focus toward new markets)
- 🇺🇸 Circuit of the Americas (Austin has strong U.S. fan support, but Las Vegas and Miami make things complicated)
🚨 2028–2037 Renewals
- Suzuka (2029)
- Silverstone (2034)
- Bahrain (2036)
- Melbourne (2037)
With F1 pushing aggressively into new markets, circuits that can’t justify massive attendance numbers, government support, or commercial growth may struggle to secure long-term futures.
Final Take: F1’s Future Balances Tradition & Expansion
🔹 Las Vegas is safe—F1 has invested too much in its success. Expect a 10-year extension soon.
🔹 Mexico City is on the bubble—Checo’s exit could impact its renewal, but fan enthusiasm may save it.
🔹 Imola’s best hope is race rotation—expect negotiations to keep it in F1, but not annually.
As F1 continues its global transformation, these expiring contracts will test the sport’s balance between history and the future.
The next few months could determine whether Mexico and Imola stay on the calendar—or make way for new destinations.
