“It’s a Fantastic Market” – Toto Wolff Demands More F1 Races in China Following Massive Popularity Boom in United States

The Chinese Grand Prix has provided the fans with plenty of racing drama and moments to remember over the years. The circuit is famous for its challenging corners where the driver’s skill comes into play. Michael Schumacher’s last-ever Formula 1 victory was also in this very venue back in 2006.

However, it’s the third straight year China has been left off the F1 calendar. Although the country has seen no racing action due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Toto Wolff believes motor racing in China has a bright future.

READ MORE: Audi & Porsche Set To Break Ground on F1 Entry As Volkswagen CEO Makes Major Sport-Changing Revelation

With Formula 1 adding races in Miami this year and Las Vegas in 2023, the F1 calendar is on the verge of reaching its limit. Some believe the Chinese GP could act as the sacrificial lamb in Formula 1’s aid to expand the countries. However, Wolff has backed China to host three races in a year.

Toto Wolff wants three races in China

Formula 1 has extended its contract with the organizers of the Chinese Grand Prix until 2025. The market for motorsports and car manufacturers in China is also expanding. Toto Wolff also believes the country is an important market for Mercedes and feels F1 should add Beijing as a venue apart from Shanghai.

He said, “We’ve been to Shanghai before and haven’t been able to be there in the last two years, but it’s an important market for us, for the manufacturers involved in F1. I would not only like to race in Shanghai but I would also like to race in Beijing.”

“It’s a fantastic market for us, for Mercedes, and I think we should be integrated into it and have a strong footprint in it,” he added.

With three races added in the United States, the Austrian conveyed his desire to do the same in China. “We now have three races in the United States and if we can do the same in China, that would be great,” the Mercedes boss stated.

Volkswagen supports Wolff’s wish to race in China

Volkswagen, one of the biggest car manufacturers on the planet, has been in talks with Formula 1. And company’s Chief Executive Herbert Diess revealed that Audi and Porsche (both of which are owned by Volkswagen) are ready to step up their involvement in F1.

Volkswagen’s China business is also one of the company’s best income suppliers. With that in mind, reports suggest that the German company also wants races in China to attract the market.

WATCH THIS STORY: F1 Drivers Fighting on Track

With the imminent entry of Volkswagen and Toto Wolff’s comments, do you think China should host more than once race in the future? Leave your thoughts in the comments.