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“A return for F1 to the Portimao Circuit?”: Formula 1 could be heading back to Portugal in 2022 to replace the now cancelled Russian GP

Somin Bhattacharjee
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"A return for F1 to the Portimao Circuit?": Formula 1 could be heading back to Portugal in 2022 to replace the now cancelled Russian GP

F1 organizers are reportedly considering a return to the Portimao circuit, to replace the now cancelled Russian GP in the 2022 calendar. 

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine last week, F1 made the decision to not go ahead with the Russian GP this year. This leaves the door open for several other circuits to replace the Sochi Autodrom on the calendar.

Initially, it was widely rumored that the Turkish GP would make a return this year. The Istanbul Park Circuit hosted F1 races in both 2020 and 2021. However, both these years the circuit was added as an emergency replacement to other tracks where races had been cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

There was error on the F1 website last week, that saw ‘Turkish GP 2022’ tickets going live. They later confirmed that it was an error and that there was no decision made regarding the same.

According to recent reports, Portugal could be making a return to the calendar in 2022. The Algarve International Circuit in Portimao too, hosted two GPs in 2020 and 2021 respectively. These races too were held due to reasons similar to that of the Turkish GP.

Formula 1 haven’t made any announcement regarding Sochi’s replacement as of yet.

Also read: Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson explains why the 2022 season is in for a big shake-up in the field

What other races could we see replacing the Russian GP in the 2022 F1 calendar?

There are several tracks that the organizers could choose as a replacement to Sochi. In particular, there are some circuits which fans have been wanting back for years now.

One of those includes Sepang in Malaysia. F1 last raced there in 2017, and it’s widely considered to be a track that produces great racing action.

Moving elsewhere in Asia, F1 could consider racing in China. The Shanghai International Circuit hasn’t hosted a race in over three years due to the pandemic, but the organizers recently signed a contract that would see them return in 2023, and keep F1 in China until at-least 2025.

F1 could pull the switch early and decide to move to China a year earlier than they’d originally planned. However, it’s seen as un unlikely option. Another likely replacement would be racing in Germany with the country having two tracks that have hosted F1 races as recently as 2020.

The last option F1 would look into would be scrapping the race altogether. The 2022 season is scheduled to host 23 races, making it the biggest of all time. However, if they don’t come across a suitable replacement on time, they may be forced to go ahead with just 22.

Also read: George Russell calls for a return of banned technology to counter the 2022 F1 cars’ porpoising problems

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Formula 1 Editor Somin Bhattacharjee fell for the sport as well as Fernando Alonso on the same day — during the Spaniard’s thrilling victory at the German GP in 2010. Over the years, the passion magnified manyfold, and metamorphosed into a writing career in 2021. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. He has penned over 2,700 articles for TheSportsRush, presenting a diverse range — news reports, opinions, and exclusives. A true Tiffosi, Somin never gives up on a chance to defend the Ferrari boys as a fan. As a sports writer though, he remains objective to the core and relishes opportunities to follow and engage in dissecting the action during races. That’s where the real thrill lies for him. Beyond the racetrack, Somin plays different sports including soccer. He enjoys exploring other sporting events and proudly supports Spanish soccer club Real Madrid.

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