Breaking News: Switzerland Allows Racing Again

After 71 years, the Swiss Federal Council announced that starting from July 1st 2026, Switzerland will be able to host racing events again under certain circumstances but what are they and how did it come to the world’s longest motorsport ban?

(Image credit to Motorsport Images- Lat)

Information About The Ban

The ban was first introduced after the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster. It was after the crash at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in which tragically 84 spectators and French racing driver Pierre Levegh passed away after an accident. From then on Switzerland prohibited most forms of wheel-to-wheel racing in Switzerland for decades. However, back in 2015 Switzerland had already started loosening the restrictions of the ban, allowing electric racing events as exceptions. This was also to prepare for the Formula E Zürich E-Prix, which would be held in 2018 and it would also be the first circuit racing event in 60 years. In 2019 it was the Bern E-Prix due to there already being an event in Zürich and since then there weren’t any Formula E races anymore because of a lot of logistical reasons.

What Is The New Law?

The new legislation, that goes in place on July 1st of this year, allows racing circuits and organised motorsport competitions to return to the country. However the change is not an immediate green light for a major international comeback or for huge racing leagues to have races in Switzerland. Swiss authorities are also giving the 26 cantons power to decide if events could even take place or not individually. This is due to the political system of Switzerland and how every canton decides. Approvals will also heavily depend on the local environmental standards, noise regulation, public support as well as the people who vote and get a say in the decisions. 

What Does This Mean For The Future Of Racing In Switzerland?

Despite the legal shift and loosening of the ban, analysts believe that a return of a Swiss Formula E race or even a new Swiss Formula One Grand Prix is very unlikely as of right now when the new law goes into place. This is also due to Switzerland lacking the modern FIA grade 1 racing circuit that would be able to host a F1 GP and building a new one would involve loads of financial investment, noise concerns and many political negotiations in the Federal Council as well as amongst the people of Switzerland.

Article written by Sania Zimmermann © Sania Zimmermann 2026