The 2026 F1® Calendar: Shuffles, Surprises, and Sand Dunes

 

Today, the much-anticipated 2026 Formula 1® calendar dropped.

While there aren't any truly earth-shattering surprises, some of the scheduling quirks certainly raised an eyebrow or two here at Senate Grand Prix.

A Peculiar Puzzler: Canada Before Monaco?

The most striking change for many is the move of the Canadian Grand Prix to before Monaco. Having Canada outside of the main American race season (which typically groups the North and South American rounds) always feels odd. But placing it before Monaco? That seems even stranger. Or does it make sense that it is now close to Miami?

For those of us who were on the ground in Monaco this year, witnessing the setup for a back-to-back with Imola, it caused all sorts of logistical headaches. The roads were gridlocked, lorries faced impossible deadlines to get the track, paddocks, and F1® teams set up for Thursday practice after packing up at the Emilia Romagna circuit on Sunday. 

As I mentioned in a previous discussion, that 14-hour drive for a lorry from Imola to Monaco created unprecedented chaos. The thought of that now being further complicated by an earlier transatlantic journey... It's a scheduling gamble; however, there is now a two-week gap.

The Return of Zandvoort and Missed Opportunities

Another notable point on the new calendar is the presence of two Spanish Grand Prix events and the delightful news that the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is firmly back on the cards.

It was inconceivable to me that a racetrack like Zandvoort would never be dropped, especially with the monumental Max Verstappen following.

Having visited this unique circuit for the first time three years ago, the experience of a "racetrack in the dunes" was phenomenal. And I'm not being dramatic; seriously, high, grassy sandbanks surround you. 

After a day at the circuit, you can feel the sand in your hair and your nose – but it's a fantastic, almost carnival-like atmosphere, a sea of orange. The serious banking at the track also makes it an enjoyable and challenging circuit for drivers, adding to the spectacle for the passionate Dutch fans.

A Wider World for F1®?

So, while there are no huge surprises in the overall lineup of 24 races, this could have been an opportunity. It is an opportunity for a return to Argentina or for another European country to host a race, or even the fantastic circuits we saw during the COVID-19 restrictions, such as the Turkish Grand Prix or the Portuguese Grand Prix. There are many options to open up races in other countries or even different continents, with a focus on South Africa in the future.

But here we are. We finally have our 2026 Formula 1® calendar mapped out: 24 races around the world at some of the best locations on the planet. And ultimately, there's only one winner in all of this: you, the race fans!