Fans name classic tracks they want to see return to the F1 calendar

F1's confirmation that the Portuguese Grand Prix will return in 2027 and 2028 has sparked renewed debate about which classic circuits fans most want back on the schedule. A recent poll highlights a strong desire for a return to Africa and the revival of several popular European and Asian venues that have fallen off the calendar in recent years.

Why it matters:

The expansion of the F1 calendar to new locations like Miami, Las Vegas, and Qatar has been commercially successful but has often come at the expense of historic tracks. Understanding fan sentiment is crucial for balancing the sport's global growth with its heritage, ensuring the calendar retains a mix of new destinations and beloved, driver-favorite circuits that provide great racing.

The details:

A poll by RacingNews365, conducted after the Portuguese GP announcement, revealed clear fan favorites for a calendar comeback:

• Kyalami (South Africa): Topped the list. The circuit near Johannesburg last hosted F1 in 1993 and holds Grade 2 status. Its return would mark F1's long-awaited comeback to the African continent.
• Nürburgring (Germany): Garnered significant support. Famous for its history, including the daunting Nordschleife, it last hosted a race in 2020.
• Hockenheim (Germany): Remains popular, particularly the memory of its classic, high-speed layout through the forest before its 2002 redesign. Germany last had a Grand Prix in 2020.
• Imola (Italy): Received notable backing. A historic venue that returned temporarily from 2020-2022 as the Emilia Romagna GP, demonstrating its continued appeal.
• Sepang (Malaysia): The Tilke-designed circuit is remembered for its wide track and good racing, hosting F1 from 1999 to 2017.
• Istanbul Park (Turkey): Another Tilke design, famed for its multi-apex Turn 8, last featured on the calendar in 2021.
• Paul Ricard (France): Also featured in the poll, having last been used in 2022.

The big picture:

The poll results reflect a yearning for geographical diversity and classic racing challenges. The overwhelming support for Kyalami underscores a significant gap in F1's "World Championship" status—the absence of a race in Africa. Similarly, the strong showing for German circuits highlights a major market currently missing from the schedule. While new street circuits offer glamour, fans consistently value purpose-built tracks known for producing exciting wheel-to-wheel battles and testing driver skill.

What's next:

While fan polls don't dictate commercial decisions, they signal clear market interest. The return of Portugal shows classic European tracks can make a comeback. The real test will be whether commercial agreements and circuit upgrades can align to bring back a fan-favorite like Kyalami or re-establish a German Grand Prix. As the calendar continues to evolve post-2026, the balance between novelty and nostalgia will remain a key topic for the sport, its promoters, and its global fanbase.