However, as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made clear in his response to Takis Trakousellis and Newsauto, desire is one thing and reality is another.
When asked whether Greece wants a Formula 1 race, the answer is clear: yes. However, when asked whether it can host one soon, the answer is much more difficult. The Prime Minister was entirely realistic, stating that building a new Formula 1 track is a massive investment, while even the option of a city race in Athens would place a very heavy burden on the city.
According to Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece has considered the possibility of a street race in Athens in the past, and there are still some ongoing discussions with Formula 1. However, as he emphasized, he does not see the possibility of F1 coming to our country anytime soon. “I’ve learned not to mislead people,” was his clear message.
The reality is that Formula 1 today is not just a race. It is a massive commercial, television, and tourism platform. The 2026 calendar includes races all over the world, from Australia and Japan to Monaco, Singapore, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Demand for a spot on the schedule is enormous, and competition among countries and cities is fierce.
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