SUMMARY
- There are reportedly extensive plans to hold a F1 race in Chicago.
- Sources reveal a likely schedule for the F1 race in Chicago.
With already 3 US races on the calendar, F1 is looking to add one more in the city of Chicago. This would be the 4th American track and the 9th Street circuit including the Madrid GP. Not all of the fans are happy with this news.
A few weeks earlier, it was reported that F1 had applied for the Chicago Grand Prix trademark. This sparked the rumors of the Chicago GP. Now, there is some more news being spread giving more details on the same.
Chicago GP gains traction
In the latest news, it has been reported that F1 has started to work towards the race in Chicago. According to the reports, the organizers are not planning to name the race Chicago Grand Prix. Instead, it will be called the North American Grand Prix, or Chicago Festival Grand Prix.
As it stands, the race will likely be held during April or June. In order to make it more sustainable, they will be looking to keep it before or after the Canadian Grand Prix which will be the closest to Chicago. So far, there is no timeline as to from which season the race will be hosted. However, we can speculate that it could be on the calendar from 2026 or 2028 depending on various track contracts.
Chicago NOT a good choice , do people research before deciding where they will go race??? Chicago is a shit hole !! New York as well !!! No Blue States should be considered!!!
— Tssa (@Tssa27661325) February 8, 2024
Given that Madrid GP has already been announced by F1, there are not a lot of spots on the calendar for the 2026 season. So far, Spa, Monza, and Barcelona will be out of a contract after the 2025 season. Madrid GP will be replacing one of these tracks. If the Chicago GP is announced from the 2026 season, it is likely that it will replace Spa on the calendar.
Nobody and I mean ABSOLUTELY NOBODY wants that…
— Timme04 (@Timme0004) February 8, 2024
Given that Monza is one of the most iconic F1 tracks, it is likely that Formula 1 will be extending their contract with them. However, there is a possibility that Monza might also find its way out of the calendar as there is already another race in Italy; Imola.
It will be interesting to see what decisions F1 makes in the coming months. If F1 does decide to host the Chicago Grand Prix, they will have to remove one of the fan-favorite tracks from the calendar. Since there are already 24 races, the sport will not be adding more to this calendar.
Fans react to F1 race in Chicago
After the news broke that F1 is planning to host a race in Chicago, the fans quickly took to social media to voice their concerns. Most fans are not fond of the fact that F1 is adding another street race and another US race to the calendar.
Although Street Race has a catchy vibe to it, they are not suitable for F1 racing. The modern F1 cars are much bigger than what they used to be. This makes it very difficult to overtake in the narrow street circuits. These tracks also have a very bumpy texture that is not suitable for the F1 cars.
So F1 track action has gotten bland they are going use gunfire to spice it up!
— Neglegent Discharge (@adam_wingnrotor) February 8, 2024
As it stands, there are already 3 Grand Prix hosted in the United States. Out of these three, two of them are highly criticized for their unusual track layout and pre-race routines. Even F1 drivers prefer tracks where they can test the limits of their respective car. Tracks like Spa, Mugello or such examples.
It wil be interesting to see how F1 goes forward with their plans to host a Grand Prix in Chicago. Do you think we will see the Chicago GP in 2026? Post your answers in teh comments section below.