Which circuits can Formula 1 use to replace cancelled Russian Grand Prix?

The Russian Grand Prix will not take place in 2022 and that means we have 22 Grands Prix on the calendar for now. Liberty Media no doubt wants a replacement for the race at the Sochi Autodrom and so GPblog looks at which circuits are suitable for Formula 1 to move to.

The Russian Grand Prix was scheduled for September 23 to 25 and falls between the Monza and Singapore GPs. It makes sense to organise a replacement race on the old date, but we have seen before that another time can be pinned.

Istanbul Park

Perhaps the best option is Istanbul Park in Turkey. Formula 1 also raced there in 2020 and 2021 and the drivers all find it a challenging circuit. The Turkish GP did not get a spot on the 2022 calendar, but it is possible that Formula 1 will settle there for the third year in a row.

Portimao

As in Turkey, the Portimao circuit has been used for the last two years. There was also no room for the Portuguese Grand Prix on this season's F1 calendar, but the infrastructure and everything required is in Portugal.

Mugello

Three Italian GPs: we already saw it in 2020. Mugello pitched in when many Grands Prix were cancelled, but last season it was not used. Possibly this season will be different. The race before it is at Monza and so the teams can travel through that way, so in terms of logistics that would be perfect.

Hockenheim

The last time Formula 1 raced at Hockenheim was in 2019. Max Verstappen managed to win that race on a wet track. It is known that the Hockenheim cannot cough up the 'entry fee' on an annual basis, but with Mick Schumacher as an emerging German talent and Liberty Media in need, something might be possible.

Nürburgring

The Eifel Grand Prix was held at the Nürburgring in 2020 and that was a one-off. The Nürburgring could easily host Formula 1, but as with Hockenheim, money is the big problem.

China

The last time there was a race in China was in 2019. The past two editions were cancelled due to the coronavirus and also in 2022 they did not dare to host Formula 1. However, things are now moving in the right direction with the pandemic and with Guanyu Zhou the premier class of motor racing now has a Chinese driver, so it seems like a good option.

Malaysia

The Malaysian Grand Prix was one that was always spectacular and Verstappen keeps fond memories of it due to the fact that he won there in 2017. The Malaysian government also stopped it after that, as Formula 1 was no longer profitable. Maybe make an exception for once? Singapore, the GP after that, is right around the corner....

Qatar

There was the first race in Qatar last season at the Losail International Circuit, but there is no Grand Prix in Qatar in 2022. The GP does return to the calendar in 2023, possibly at a new circuit, but the Losail circuit can still be put to good use in 2022 if necessary.

Jerez

The Jerez circuit also has the proper license to host Formula 1. Jerez's name popped up often in the past two years, but Formula One ended up choosing other Grands Prix to replace cancelled races. The chance is there, but it is very small that Formula 1 will travel to Spain.

Two races at the same circuit?

In the past we also saw two Grands Prix at for example the Red Bull Ring or Silverstone and that is of course an option again in 2022, but in all likelihood Liberty Media's preference goes to a new location.