Meeting with Domenicali: South Korea wants GP from 2026 / Formula 1

South Korea would like to host the Formula 1 race again.

Yoo Jeong-bok, the mayor of the city of Incheon in South Korea, visited Suzuka as part of the Japan Grand Prix, met the CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali and handed him a letter of intent stating that there will be a race in the coming years. that will be held in his city. The photo of the incident along with the statement spread on social networks and in the Korean media.

Incheon is located west of the South Korean capital Seoul. Formula 1 was already a guest in South Korea from 2010 to 2013, but at that time it was at a permanent race track near Mokpo in the southernmost part of the country. According to reports, a traffic circle would be planned in Incheon.

The fact that Korea is going backwards on the calendar is not entirely new. According to information from Speedweek.com, rumors of a comeback have been circulating in the paddock for some time. Now, with the visit and the handover of the declaration, there is an open process for the first time.

Such a letter is a clear declaration of interest from the South Korean side in wanting to host a Grand Prix – but by no means a guarantee that it will happen.

The race calendar is full and the number of participants is high. No further additions to the calendar are expected for 2025. Except for a few scheduling changes, the 2025 calendar is likely to be very similar to the 2024 schedule.

So there would be any possibility of a return to the Koreans in 2026 or 2027 – but only if other races were canceled or Formula 1 extended the calendar from the current 24 to 25 or more.

Stefano Domenicali is quoted in Korean media: “I would like to thank Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok for personally attending the Japan Grand Prix and fully expressing his interest in attracting Formula 1.”

The Italian continued: “Let’s focus on the Incheon Grand Prix and work together to make it a success. I will travel to Incheon as soon as possible to hold further discussions.” Additionally, System 1 does not comment on topics after a request.

Japan-GP, Suzuka Circuit

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:54:23,566 h
02. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +12.535 seconds
03. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, +20,866
04. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +26,522
05. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +29.700
06. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +44,272
07. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +45,951
08. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +47.525
09. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +48,626
10. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, +1 Round
11. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1 lap
12. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +1 Round
13. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1 Lap
14. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), clean, +1 lap
15. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1 Round
16. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1 Round
17. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, +1 Round

outside
Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, Elektrik
Alex Albon (T), Williams, Crash
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, Crash

World Championship Standings (after 4 out of 24 Grands Prix)

the driver
01. Verstappen 77 points
02. Perez 64
03. Leclerc 59
04. Sainz 55
05. Norris 37
06. Plate 32
07. Russell 24
08. Alonso 24
09. Hamilton 10
10. Walk 7
11. Tsunoda 7
12. Oliver Bearman (GB) 6
13. Hulkenberg 3
14. Magnussen 1
15. Alboni 0
16. Zhou 0
17. Ricciardo 0
18. Okon 0
19. 0 gas
20. Bota 0
21. Sergeant 0

Builders Cup
01. Red Bull Racing 141 Punkte
02. Ferrari 120
03. McLaren 69
04. Mercedes 34
05. Aston Martin 33
06. Running Bull 7
07. Especially 4
08. Williams 0
09. Sauber 0
10. Alpine 0