F1 get green light for historic race return after 13-year lay-off
Formula 1 could make a historic return to one country in particular following a 13-year absence, after a brand-new circuit design was revealed
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The Korea Grand Prix was dropped in 2013(Image: Getty)
Formula 1 has announced plans for a major return to South Korea in 2028. The development arrives 13 years after the Korean Grand Prix was axed from the F1 calendar owing to expenses and insufficient local interest – just three years after its introduction to the circuit.
Nevertheless, the South Korean city of Incheon has been deemed financially feasible to stage a race, ending a prolonged absence for the sport’s presence in the East Asian country. At a press conference held at City Hall, Mayor Yoo Jeoing-bok confirmed that approval had been granted to pursue a new race venue.
While the Korean GP originally occurred in Yeongam, Songdo International City is being considered as a prospective location for a future race, according to Incheon Ilbo. If plans receive approval, a street circuit would be established near the Songdo Moonlight Festival Park, utilising existing public roads.
At 4,960 metres, drivers would be capable of reaching speeds of up to 209 mph, consistent with contemporary Formula 1 requirements. The layout design is being overseen by Hermann Tilke’s firm, which has previously developed circuits in Sepang and Shanghai, alongside street tracks in Las Vegas and Baku.
The designer also played a significant role in creating the Korea International Circuit, which hosted F1 events between 2010 and 2013. Incheon city officials claim the event will provide a significant economic boost to the area, with hopes of attracting up to 400,000 visitors across a three-day race weekend.
The proposal reads: “It is possible to link the F1 Grand Prix, which has developed into a form of entertainment, with K-culture. We expect to hold various cultural performances, such as inviting world-famous artists, to elevate Incheon’s cultural and tourism infrastructure to a world-class standard.”
At present, Formula 1 visits 24 destinations worldwide, with several rounds taking place across Asia.
Kimi Antonelli enjoyed consecutive victories in China and Japan earlier this season, and will undoubtedly be hungry for further glory when the Singapore Grand Prix arrives in October.
Vietnam had been scheduled to feature on the calendar in 2020, but the race was ultimately scrapped owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and has yet to make a comeback since. It comes as Formula 1 is currently enduring a month-long hiatus after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia rounds were called off due to the continuing conflict in the Middle East.
A statement announcing the move read: “After careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place in April.
“While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April. The Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 ACADEMY rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times.
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The Korea Grand Prix was dropped in 2013(Image: Getty)
“The decision has been taken in full consultation with the FIA and respective promoters.”
The next race on the calendar is the Miami Grand Prix, which is set to get under way at the Miami International Autodrome on Sunday, 4 May.
