Carlos Sainz Jnr and Nico Hulkenberg are resigned to seeing their home races disappear from the 2020 F1 calendar.

Five races on the current schedule have not yet been confirmed on next year’s calendar. However the addition of races In Hanoi and Zandvoort have put existing rounds under pressure, and the races at the Circuit de Catalunya and Hockenheimring are thought to be the most at risk.

Sainz admitted he is concerned Spain could be without a race for the first time since 1985. “I’m worried because I don’t like losing my home grand prix,” he said.

“I think it’s a big loss, not only for Spanish people but for Formula 1. I think Barcelona has been part of the calendar for many years, it’s a great track, great venue and everyone enjoys being there. I consider now that it’s one of the classic tracks, like I consider Silverstone or Spa, so losing Barcelona is a big loss for Formula One, I think, and myself.”

Spain’s round of the world championship has been hit by the departure of two-times world champion Fernando Alonso, leaving Sainz as the country’s only representative in F1. He says there is little he can do to affect the race’s future. “It’s a matter of politics and money which I’m not involved in, so we will see what happens.”

Germany’s round of the world championship has also struggled in recent seasons. It was given a one-year extension to remain on the calendar for this season and F1’s commercial rights holder Liberty Media has an option to keep it on for another year. However Hulkenberg is concerned for its future.

“I like going to Hockenheim,” he said. “I’ve raced cars many, many times there since I’m in a single seater so that goes back to 2004-05. It’s a cool place.

“I think last year was a huge success, I’ve never seen Hockenheim that busy and so vibrant. So it would be sad to see it go and lose that home grand prix but like Carlos said, at the end of the day it’s not down to us, it’s commercial aspects but of course I would prefer to keep it on the calendar.”

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

2020 F1 season