Formula 1 is becoming increasingly popular internationally. As a result, the racing calendar has been growing steadily for years. In the future, the motorsport premier class could be drawn to another location.
The Brazilian Grand Prix has long been an integral part of Formula 1. Now the next South American country is raising hopes of a place in the racing series.
For example, the Colombian city of Barranquilla is looking to be included in the Formula 1 calendar.
Mayor Jaime Pumarejo confirmed to “Blue Radio“the mind games regarding a future in the elite series of motorsport.
Although a place in Formula 1 cannot yet be confirmed with certainty, the politician expressed confidence. “What we can say is that the process is going very well. Progress has been made in all previous steps before a final decision is made,” Pumarejo is quoted as saying.
Is Formula 1 going to Colombia in 2024?
The first race could therefore take place in 2024 or 2025. In addition, a partnership “can be signed for 10 years,” said the mayor of Barranquilla.
According to Pumarejo, the race would be “self-supporting”. “The Grand Prix would not cost the country or the city anything, on the contrary, it would bring jobs, tourism and recognition,” said the 41-year-old, who was convinced of the idea.
According to the local politician, Formula 1 technicians were already on site to check the requirements for inclusion in the calendar.
Big hurdle for admission to Formula 1
But there is still a big hurdle in the way. The upcoming Formula 1 season will include 24 races. More weekends are not allowed due to the so-called Concorde agreement.
That means: In order for Barranquilla to be included in the calendar for 2024, another Grand Prix would first have to give way.
Nevertheless, hope in Colombia seems to be high. Those responsible seem to have already found a potential name.
Apparently, the race would start in Barranquilla under the name “Gran Premio del Caribe” (“Caribbean Grand Prix”, editor’s note), since Colombia’s fourth largest city borders on the Caribbean Sea.