Formula 1 chairman Chase Carey has hinted that the 2020 calendar will remain at 21 races, but will drop two current venues, meaning along with the already agreed Vietnam GP, another new venue will join the calendar next year.
It's believed the Spanish and German grands prix will face the chop to make way for Vietnam and the return of the Dutch GP, as previously reported by Motorsport Week.
Carey, speaking during a Liberty Media earnings call, said the 2020 calendar was close to being finalised and that along with the addition of two new races, two other venues were close to agreeing new deals – believed to be Silverstone and Monza.
"We’re in the process of finalising our 2020 race calendar, we have agreements in principle on two renewals and are actively engaged on three other renewals," he said.
"In addition we have already announced our new race in Hanoi where construction has begun on the track and facilities. It will be a street track that is one of the most unique and challenging in the world with 22 corners and a couple of long straightaways.
“In addition to Hanoi, we also have agreement in principle to add another new circuit to our calendar in 2020.
"We have not finalised the number of races on our calendar, but we expect it to be 21, the same number as 2019. Obviously the math means we will not be able to renew all our current races."
Motorsport Week believes Spain will make way for the Dutch GP, whilst the loss of Germany opens up a very busy period on the calendar and allows other races to be shuffled around to make way for Hanoi, which will take place in April next year.
Carey added that the calendar will likely see further expansion after 2020 as there is still great demand for races from countries around the world.
"We're in the fortunate position of having more demand than supply, but recognise that we need to manage that dynamic in a thoughtful manner.
"We clearly have demand for more than 21 races in 2020, and do expect that number of races in a year will increased slightly after 2020. However we want to make sure that we're maximising the opportunities for the sport and fans, and not rush to decisions.
"And we do believe that a limited expansion of the calendar, and churn, are important for creating a fresh and exciting dynamic for fans and for our ongoing growth."
