The announcement of Suzuka’s extended contract with Formula 1, securing its place as the host of the Japanese Grand Prix until 2029, has not deterred the ambitions of Osaka to carve out its own niche in the F1 calendar. Hiroshi Mizohata, the president of the Osaka tourism board, remains optimistic about the city’s potential to host its own Formula 1 event, despite the recent developments with Suzuka.
Mizohata, speaking to as-web.jp, emphasized that Suzuka’s success and continued partnership with F1 are viewed positively by Osaka’s bid team. “There is no impact on us,” he stated, underlining the belief that both venues can coexist and thrive within the F1 ecosystem. “I have no desire to take F1 away from Suzuka,” Mizohata asserted, signaling a respectful and cooperative approach towards the established Grand Prix venue.
The Osaka tourism board had previously announced its intention to attract Formula 1, a move that predates Suzuka’s contract renewal. Mizohata revealed that the initiative to explore an F1 project in Osaka began a year ago and included visits to other Grand Prix locations such as Melbourne, Singapore, and Las Vegas. These fact-finding missions were part of a broader strategy to understand the feasibility and requirements of hosting a Grand Prix.
Despite not having engaged in specific negotiations with Formula One Management (FOM), Osaka’s representatives are encouraged by precedents set in other countries, where multiple races are held within the same nation, notably the United States and Italy. “We have investigated the background behind two races being held in Japan, and have come to the conclusion that if we put together a solid business scheme and follow the necessary steps, the possibility of holding the event is not zero,” Mizohata explained.
The decision between constructing a new permanent circuit or utilizing a public roads layout for the potential Grand Prix in Osaka remains open. Mizohata’s commitment to developing a comprehensive plan and presenting it to FOM within the year reflects a strategic and measured approach to bringing Formula 1 to Osaka.
