Japanese Race Organizers Debunk F1 Rumor: “Not Taken Any Initiative”

Another day, another big announcement comes from the world of Formula 1. The circus has recently been on a spree of granting long-term contracts to circuits. We saw Madrid secure a 10-year-long contract for a non-existing track. Now, the Japanese Grand Prix has added itself to the growing list of circuits with long-term contracts. The contract extension was announced on 2nd February by all F1 social media handles much to the displeasure of Osaka.

The Japanese Grand Prix highlights the ‘good problem’ of excess demand F1 is currently facing because of its skyrocketing popularity. The sport is getting requests to host a Grand Prix from all across the world. The problem occurs when multiple cities in the same country make the request. We saw this scenario come to light with Barcelona and Madrid. Japan was facing the same problem but the official announcement has put all Osaka rumors to bed.

Japanese F1 track extended its stay in Suzaka

The Suzuka circuit which has given us countless memorable and iconic moments throughout its history was under threat. Osaka launched a Madrid-style attack on Suzuka to clinch hosting rights and lure the circus to the port city located on Honshu island.

Osaka Tourism Bureau chairman Hiroshi Mizohata formally announced his intention to become a candidate for F1. The city’s officials even attended the Singapore GP for reconnaissance.

However, after Suzuka was renewed for 5 more years until 2029, the stance by the organization of Osaka changed as they claimed, “We have not taken any initiative to have an F1 race.”

So for now, the iconic Suzuka circuit is safe. This will come as pleasant news to a certain seven-time world champion who likes a specific feature of the track and would be excited to race on the circuit in its new colors.

Lewis Hamilton reveals why the Japanese Grand Prix Suzuka circuit is one of his favorite

Lewis Hamilton broke the internet with his shock announcement to join Ferrari leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season. The news surely took everyone off guard. However, despite his decision to leave Mercedes , we can never forget all he’s achieved with Silver Arrows, and one of those momentous achievements is linked with his race in Suzuka back in 2018 as well .

With such history attached to the race, ahead of the 2023 edition of the race, Hamilton not only recalled his great memories from the track but also a feature he loves.

“It’s one of the favorites I think for all of the drivers. “It’s that figure of eight, it’s that historic circuit that you saw Ayrton and Alain racing many years ago,” said Hamilton.

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“It is an incredible track to drive on and it’s such a beautiful country as well. Just overall a great trip, great food, amazing hospitality, and then the track is one of the greatest layouts that we get to experience on the calendar. I just hope that our car works,”  he added.

However, Suzuka’s current contract to host the Japanese Grand Prix runs until the end of 2024. But as the Japanese race organizers cleared the air around rumors, the Japanese F1 races will stay in Suzaka until 2029.

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