Will there be a Chicago Grand Prix? Reviewing latest details

As Formula 1 looks forward to expanding its base in the United States, the latest American city rumored to make entry into the F1 calendar is Chicago, following recent entrants like the Las Vegas and Miami Grand Prixes, both of which were won by Max Verstappen.

However, new reports are emerging surrounding the inclusion of the Chicago Grand Prix in the Formula 1 calendar. The latest updates about the Chicago GP suggest strong possibility of the circuit making way on to the grid soon.

Chicago Grand Prix update

Earlier it was expected that the New York would be the next American destination for Formula 1. But now reports are emerging that Chicago’s name has entered into the mix.

A certain tweet from Fastest Pitstop is now stating that work is underway to host a F1 Grand Prix in Chicago, most likely in the form of a street race.

The race could have either the “North American Grand Prix”, or the “Chicago Festival Grand Prix”, due to the ‘high’ possibility of the “Chicago Grand Prix” name being rejected.

The report also claims that the race is scheduled for late April to mid-June, before or after the Canadian Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton’s ‘most decorated’ F1 podium is.

On the other hand, it should be noted that the contract for the Circuit of the Americas in Austin expires after 2026. This fact has raised questions about whether Chicago could serve as a potential replacement venue. However, at the moment, nothing is confirmed by Formula 1.

If the Chicago is enlisted, it would be the fourth American city, from the current F1 calendar, to host a Grand Prix.

Current GP calendar, dates, venues

Talking about the current F1 schedule, i.e., the 2024 F1 calendar, it was announced back on 5th June 2023. The 2024 F1 calendar features 24 Grand Prix races, starting in Bahrain on March 2nd and finishing off on December 8th at the Abu Dhabi GP.

For the opening two Grand Prixes—Bahrain and Saudi Arabia—the races will be held on Saturdays, due to Ramadan. The remaining 22 Grand Prixes will be held either on Sundays or Mondays, depending on the venue.

The 2024 calendar has been slightly standardized, quite like the 2021 calendar, ‘to create better flow of races in certain regions’, as stated by Formula 1. This is clearly in line with its ‘intention to move towards greater calendar regionalization, reducing logistical burdens and making the season more sustainable’.

Should Chicago host the next Grand Prix in America? Would it hamper the current F1 calendar? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.