South Korea Plans to Revive F1 with New Circuit in Incheon District

The Formula 1 calendar has been expanding rapidly in recent years, with 2024 set to be the longest F1 season in history. New tracks like the Miami International Autodrome and the Las Vegas Strip Circuit have been successful additions, and now Korea is looking to capitalize on F1’s recent success by building a new track near Seoul.

The Incheon International Airport Corporation recently announced plans to construct a new circuit in hopes of reviving the South Korean Grand Prix. Last weekend, the mayor of Incheon met with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to submit an official letter of intent, signaling progress towards this goal.

The proposed motorsports-centered tourism and leisure complex in Korea aims to attract 200,000 visitors and generate $90 million in revenue. While a comeback for the Korean Grand Prix is tentatively set for 2026 or 2027, concerns have been raised by F1 drivers about the sustainability of a 24-race season.

Drivers like Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, and George Russell have expressed worries about the toll an expanded calendar takes on everyone involved in the sport, from drivers to mechanics and journalists. They emphasize the need to prioritize quality over quantity and address environmental concerns related to increased travel.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen and double world champion Fernando Alonso have also criticized the current schedule, with Verstappen highlighting the impact on drivers’ careers and personal lives. Alonso echoed these sentiments, questioning the incentive to compete in a season that feels too long.

As F1 continues to add new races almost every season, the debate over the sustainability of an ever-expanding calendar remains a hot topic among drivers and fans alike.