Mercedes Plans F1 Return to South Korea After 12-Year Hiatus

Mercedes is set to bring Formula One back to South Korea for the first time in 12 years with a show run in Yongin next week, as team principal Toto Wolff advocates for the sport to make a regular return to the country. The move follows George Russell's recent victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, highlighting the team's strong performance this season. South Korea previously hosted four grands prix at Yeongam from 2010 to 2013, and Wolff believes the nation's tech-savvy and socially connected young population, especially females aged 15 to 24, would embrace the evolved Formula One experience. Formula One currently has limited presence in East Asia, with only three races—Singapore, Japan, and China—and minimal driver representation from the region. Wolff emphasizes the need for more Asian drivers through grassroots development, noting that Formula One remains meritocratic and that local heroes help grow fan engagement. He also points out the sport's strategic efforts to balance its global calendar, with East Asia considered a blank spot to be addressed.