Formula 1 is currently at capacity when it comes to races on the calendar at 24 in the season, but that could all change in the future.
Next year’s calendar will see the addition of the Madrid Grand Prix alongside the regular Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, as their contract runs out at the end of 2026.
The Dutch GP will host its final race in 2026 to make way for any additions, while the Belgian GP will rotate with venues in 2028 and 2031 as part of its most recent contract.
One of Lewis Hamilton’s favourite tracks (via Reuters), Imola, is expected to drop off the calendar in 2026. But when discussing the future of the calendar on the Sky Sports F1 Show podcast, David Croft revealed what he’s heard about how things are shaping out.
David Croft believes Imola could stay on the F1 calendar longer than expected
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been a regular fixture since the 2020 season, when it returned during the COVID era.
While it is expected to drop off, there has been no formal confirmation as of yet from F1. Croft believes this could be down to some last-minute decisions being made.
“There is a contract for Barcelona next year but has Madrid actually started building yet? Are they on schedule? You’d be silly to totally get rid of Barcelona without knowing what they’ve done so far. Then what happens in 2027?” asked Croft.
“We’re all expecting Imola to go, but there are noises about a 25th race coming back again and maybe Imola still being on the calendar, and us having 25 races instead of 24.
“The calendar should’ve been out by now, we’re at the start of June. It was meant to come out at the second week of May, and we’re still waiting for it. So there might be some last-minute tinkering.”
What is the 2026 F1 Calendar going to look like?
The 2026 calendar is almost certain to look somewhat similar to what we have this year, except for a few minor modifications.
F1 has been keen to have regional grouping in a bid to cut down on emissions and reach targets set out by the FIA.
Monaco’s traditional spot of being towards the end of May will change, with it now being at the start of June as part of its new six-year extension.
That means the Canadian GP takes up its spot, while Madrid is expected to take place at the end of the European swing as it prepares for its race next year.
Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in hosting a second race, while Turkey is also keen for an F1 return after hosting a one-off round in 2020.
