F1 Tipped to Axe 'Soulless' Circuit From Calendar as Major Change Announced

Formula 1 have been told to axe a Grand Prix from the calendar after it was branded as 'soulless'.

On Tuesday morning, it was confirmed that the Portuguese Grand Prix would return to the F1 calendar in 2027 and 2028.

It has been stated that the race at the Portimao circuit will serve as the replacement for the Dutch Grand Prix, which will be removed from the calendar after next year.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1, said: "I'm delighted to see Portimão return to the Formula 1 calendar and for the sport to continue to ignite the passion of our incredible Portuguese fanbase.

"The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the chequered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats. The interest and demand to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix is the highest that it has ever been."

Portimao will be back on the F1 calendar in 2027 and 2028. Image: Getty

Speaking recently on the Fast and the Curious podcast, ex-F1 driver and Sky Sports F1 expert Karun Chandhok suggested that China should be removed from the calendar.

He said: "Oh China! Yeah, 100%. Only because the paddock is completely soulless. It’s built on swamp land, there are bugs everywhere, you can’t find anyone, and everyone just disappears into these little buildings.

"They say the Grand Prix’s in Shanghai, it’s like saying we had a London Grand Prix and it being up in Corby or something."

Chandhok added: "It’s nothing to do with Shanghai, it’s miles away. So, I would immediately [remove it], that would be the one."

The Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai remains a key part of the F1 calendar. Image: Getty

When asked which track should make a return, Chandhok picked out Malaysia.

Chandhok said: "I really liked Malaysia. It was a fantastic track to drive. I loved racing there. I raced there in different categories, brilliant track to drive, always had good racing.

"The weather was a bit wild and wacky, people were lovely, a nice place to go, hot and really humid, but that’s the one I always miss. I think Turkey as well, we saw good races in Turkey, but Malaysia, if I had to pick one, that would be the one."