On June 11, 1955, in Le Mans, the Mercedes Benz Pierre Levegh’s car disintegrates and mows down spectators gathered at the edge of the track during the 24 Hours of Le MansThe toll was horrific: 84 people were killed in what remains to this day the worst disaster in the history of motorsport. In response, Switzerland took a radical decision and banned all circuit racing on its territory. This ban, until this Wednesday, had never been lifted.
From July 1st, circuit racing will once again be permitted in Switzerland. The first major step was taken more than three years ago, with the amendment of March 17, 2023, to the Federal Road Traffic Act, adopted by the National Council and the Council of States. The ordinance published this Wednesday removes the final obstacles to its implementation. “The Federal Council is also putting into force the revised road traffic law, which lifts the ban on motor racing on circuits in Switzerland.”This was communicated at the end of the weekly meeting of the seven Wise Men.
#CFDecision From July 2026, motor racing on circuits will be permitted again in Switzerland, under certain conditions. And, to reduce animal stress, trucks transporting animals will be allowed to travel at night and on Sundays. https://t.co/DvKa8yVvRy @UVEK_DETEC
— Bundesrat • Federal Council • Consiglio federale (@BR_Sprecher) May 6, 2026
A controlled return, far from Formula 1
Lifting the ban does not mean a return to the Wild West. The cantons will be responsible for issuing permits and ensuring compliance with safety standards and environmental requirements. The path to this decision was not straightforward: as early as 2010, a member of parliament submitted a parliamentary initiative to this effect, but it was not until 2025 that the revision of the law was seriously considered.
Regarding the country’s sporting ambitions, Simone Gianini, central president of the Automobile Club of Switzerland, was keen to set expectations: “We shouldn’t expect races to Formula 1 “will take place here in the future. Not because internal combustion engine vehicles would be excluded from this event, but simply because our country no longer has the necessary infrastructure to host such events, after so many years without permanent circuits.”
The competitions that might emerge would be more modest—touring cars, European championships, or single-make electric cars. Motor racing, in fact, made a comeback earlier this century, with the Zurich E-Prix in Formula EThe government did indeed authorize electric motorsport events with a minor amendment to the law in 2015. This is also a small revolution for Swiss drivers, who until now had to cross the border to train on German, French, or Italian circuits. After 71 years of waiting, the engines will finally fire up again on Swiss tracks.
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