What could the F1 calendar look like if we project ourselves to 2026?

By the 2026 season, several Formula 1 circuits will be at the end of their contract. Here is the list of threatened Grand Prix and potential host countries/circuits.

First of all, it is important to note that the Concorde Agreements, signed in 1981 by all the teams, prevent more than 25 Grand Prix from being held each year. However, Liberty Media has a major interest in organizing more races since this is the only way to attract more spectators and ask for more money from the local promoters of each event. Thus, one of the ways to bring more people without adding too many Grand Prix, was the advent of Saturday sprint races. Revitalizing the weekends, the goal was clearly to bring in more people on the Fridays and Saturdays before the race. While the financial results do not show a significant enthusiasm for the Saturday races, the number of Grand Prix in sprint format should continue to increase in the coming years.

More weekends in Sprint format

In 2026, Motors Inside thus projects itself on 9 sprint format Grand Prix weekends against 13 classic format Grand Prix. The calendar would then consist of 24 Grand Prix, always. Indeed, the immense logistical challenge that arises from organizing a race weekend and the drivers’ bodies already taken up by 23 races make the holding of more than 24 races per season difficult and we would hardly see the drivers and teams do more Grand Prix still.

Ends of contracts

In the upcoming seasons, several Grand Prix will need to be renegotiated. We are talking about Suzuka, Silverstone, Imola, Monaco, Spa and Monza. These events are considered major in the calendar and unless there is a turnaround, it seems complicated to see one of them disappear from the calendar. In fact, the only doubt to our knowledge is the holding of two events in the Italian boot but with the tifosis always on time and Ferrari helping, it’s hard to imagine the disappearance of Imola or Monza.

Suzuka

The contract for the Japanese Grand Prix ends in 2024. The last extension between the FIA and the circuit leaders was confirmed in 2022, linking the track until the 2023 season with an additional year planned.

In 2023, no agreement has been found between this iconic circuit of the world championship and the Federation. With the contract of Red Bull and Honda expiring in 2025, the extension of the contract of the Japanese Grand Prix could have been initially impacted. However, the Japanese market remains important for the FIA, and the unique character of the circuit could play in its favor.

An extension remains conceivable due to the historic nature of the circuit and its significant role in the history of F1. In addition, the collaboration between Honda and Aston Martin in 2026, during the engine reset, could be a favorable factor.

Silverstone

The Grand Prix of Great Britain is at risk, with a contract ending at the conclusion of the 2024 season. Since 2019, the leaders of the British circuit have not managed to obtain an extension.

The Silverstone circuit is one of the most emblematic tracks in the history of motor racing, hosting its first Formula 1 race in 1948. Having evolved over more than 70 years, it remains one of the F1 drivers’ favorite Grand Prix.

Its historical character should play in its favor, and the circuit offers lively races. The significant presence of British drivers on the grid constitutes an additional argument in its favor.

Imola

The San Marino Grand Prix, back on the schedule during the 2021 season, only has two seasons remaining on its contract.

Imola was able to reintegrate the calendar thanks to the Covid-19 crisis, taking advantage of race cancellations in countries with severe restrictions such as China. However, an extension seems tricky. The return of the San Marino Grand Prix was rather a default choice, the circuit not having hosted an F1 race for 15 years. It also does not have unanimous support among the teams. Moreover, the presence of Imola, quite close and more spectacular, could not play in its favor.

Despite this, the San Marino Grand Prix could still take place until 2026, following its cancellation in 2023 due to inclement weather.

Monaco

The Monaco Grand Prix has a current contract spanning two seasons. In 2022, an agreement was reached between the leaders of the FIA and the GP, extending it until 2025.

The drivers are unanimous. If they had to win only one race in their career, it would be the Monaco Grand Prix. The uniqueness and prestige of the principality’s layout make it a very sought-after race. It is also one of the first tracks in history to have hosted a World Championship Grand Prix.

Doubts still hover over the future of the Monaco race. Despite its historical character, the FIA had already thought long and hard about extending it in 2022. Moreover, with the single-seaters now very wide, there are even fewer overtakes than in the 90s and 2000s. The GP should still have a significant amount of money to convince it to remain on the calendar.

Spa-Francorchamps

The Belgian Grand Prix is heading towards 2025 with great concerns. If in 2022, when there was still one year of contract left, the leaders managed to convince the FIA to add two years, the future looks complicated. The FIA asks for a major modernization of the circuit and its infrastructures.

In 2022, the extension was made painfully. The leaders of the Belgian circuit are faced with significant financial constraints to meet the requirements of the FIA.

The race relies on the uniqueness of the circuit and the recent shows offered. An alternating contract with France could also be established. The tricolors have seen their race disappear from the calendar for financial reasons.

Monza

The Italian Grand Prix runs over the next two seasons. During the last few months, the leaders have managed to obtain an extension of an additional year.

In order to satisfy the FIA and convince them to extend the lease with them, the leaders significantly modernize the infrastructure.

The historical character, as well as the link with Ferrari, could play in favor of the layout. In addition, the temple of speed is also the scene of hectic races and speed records, arguments that the leaders plan to assert.

The potential new hosts

In addition to the Grand Prix that will negotiate their extension, other promoters are lining up. The French Grand Prix, which has recently disappeared, could find ways to come back. But it is not one of the favorites. Indeed, Liberty Media will favor two things: potential revenues and interest in terms of communication. In this little game, two geographical areas could stand out: the African continent and the Gulf countries.

Indeed, currently no Grand Prix is held on the African continent. However, Formula 1 aims to be a global championship and Lewis Hamilton, a strong figure in Formula 1, is pushing to allow for a race either in South Africa or in Morocco.

On the side of the Gulf countries, the emirates are ready to spend heavily to host a race. However, the largest oil producers are already promoters of events in the F1 calendar. It therefore seems difficult to imagine new ones in the immediate future.

A new French GP?

Since the 2023 season, there is no longer a French Grand Prix. After its 2022 edition on the Castellet circuit, negotiations for a potential extension did not succeed. With the arrival of Gulf circuits in the discussions and the officialised extension of the Belgian GP, France was not renewed. In addition, the FIA would demand a sum of 25 million euros. Currently, the circuit only has between 5 and 8 million in its coffers, since the end of the assistance from the SUD Region. The return of a race at Castellet would depend on the future of Belgium and above all on the aid of regional politicians.

Another route could come into the balance. It is an urban circuit within the city of Nice. Unlike a return of the Castellet, little appreciated by the authorities for its lack of spectacle, the FIA is interested in the project. However, the financial problem remains the same as for the Castellet. Christian Estrosi would prefer to invest the region’s funds in this project rather than on the route of the old France GP. But there would be missing the 8 million euros present in the coffers of the Castellet circuit. In addition, the FIA remains undecided for this route, given its geographical proximity to the urban race of Monaco.

A return to Magny-Cours seems to be illusory. Although the Burgundy circuit has the status to organize F1 races, the rural setting no longer fits greatly with the flashy side of Formula 1 in the 2020 style. For a new French Grand Prix to be organized, negotiations and agreements must be found between the South Region and the Castellet Circuit.

The return of Germany

Audi will make its arrival in Formula 1 in 2026. Even if the German manufacturer does not totally build a factory from scratch, it will nevertheless want to assert its interest and potentially push for the return of Germany to the Formula 1 calendar.

So it is entirely conceivable to have a return of Formula 1 to Hockenheim or to the Nurburgring.

New GP in the United States?

In 2023, there were already three Formula 1 races on US territory and five across North America. Since the 2022 season with the arrival of Miami to the schedule, the United States has secured new races in the program. In 2023, it was the Las Vegas Grand Prix that was born, symbolizing the new specifications of F1: urban track, night race, and ostentatious setting.

Despite the presence of three GPs, the FIA would be considering the possibility of organizing a 4th race in the country. New York would be the favored city. The global city, its buildings and its lights would greatly appeal to the institution. Financially, the wealth of the city makes the project possible if the policy is in agreement with the project.

If the FIA were so inclined, an urban Grand Prix in Los Angeles would fit perfectly with the new demands. The very rich and ostentatious setting of the city. There are no negotiations revolving around this project, but it would be in line with what F1 is building. The United States is a prolific new market. Moreover, the debates about a potential entry of the Andretti team, powered by General Motors, could encourage F1 to organize another GP in the New World’s country.

South Africa

Africa is the only continent that does not have a Grand Prix in the 2024 calendar. The last official race in Africa took place in 1993 in Kyalami in South Africa. Since its disappearance, the track almost made a comeback to the calendar several times, in vain.

In 2022, discussions almost led to Kyalami organizing a Grand Prix by 2024. However, the final extension of Spa-Francorchamps ultimately shattered the hopes of the leaders of the South African circuit. In addition, relations between the FIA and the directors of Kyalami have deteriorated, making the final exchanges difficult.

A comeback for 2026 would still be conceivable. The Belgian Grand Prix is under threat and drivers such as Lewis Hamilton would push to see this race return to the calendar.

Morocco

Just like South Africa, Morocco wishes to assert the fact that there are no races on the African continent. The recent Sidi Daoui circuit is the country’s major asset in hoping to be included in a future F1 schedule.

In 2022, a delegation from the FIA came to do reconnaissance on the new Sidi Daoui circuit. The directors are working on the homologation of the layout and, above all, obtaining grade number 1, a mandatory distinction to organize a Grand Prix. If the circuit obtains it, it could apply for a place on the calendar.

On a financial level, it is difficult to project. Although the circuit does not necessarily possess the essential economic resources, the country’s policy could provide support. It should be noted that a race has already taken place in Morocco in 1958, during the 3rd edition of the championship.

New contenders in the gulf?

For several seasons, the Gulf countries have been obtaining a certain monopoly on the calendar. In 2024, four races will be organized there. Moreover, these countries are scheduled at the very beginning of the season (Bahrain and Saudi Arabia), one in October (Qatar) and finally the season finale (Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates).

The financial indecency of these countries greatly facilitates debates. Building a circuit and meeting the economic requirements of the schedule are not big issues for these countries. In the event of a possible arrival in 2025, time constraint would be the greatest.

Financially, Kuwait could be a viable candidate in theory. The oil resources bring a lot of GDP to the country of the Arabian Peninsula. However, the very complicated geopolitical context makes the project almost unimaginable. The same goes for Yemen or even Oman.

Arrival from Madrid to Barcelona Square?

The Mayor of Madrid has expressed his desire to welcome F1 back to Madrid and Formula 1 would not be ready to have two weekends in Spain. Barcelona would therefore have to say goodbye to Formula 1. This possibility seems to us very realistic by 2026.

A return of Russia?

The Russian Grand Prix has been missing since the 2021 season due to the geopolitical context, marked by the Russian invasion in Ukraine, prompting the FIA to remove the race from the calendar.

If the current tensions are still not soothed, Russia’s comeback seems compromised, the constraint being more of an ethical nature than economic.

However, if Russia still wants to believe, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is always scheduled, despite the very delicate geopolitical context with Armenia, similar to that of the Balkans.

In addition to the arrival of new circuits, F1 should greatly evolve for the 2026 season. The reset of the regulations will allow teams to upset the current hierarchy. Finally, many drivers will be at the end of their contract by 2025, which could result in a very different grid from 2024.

Projection of a possible F1 calendar in 2026