The Formula 1 calendar is set for a drastic reshuffle come 2026 as the sport plans to rotate races on the schedule.
It comes after Spa Francorchamps signed a new contract extension that runs until 2031. The legendary Belgian circuit has been a main staple of F1 and the fourth most visited track behind Monza, Monaco and Silverstone.
However, that extension will only see the Belgian Grand Prix on the calendar in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031. Spa will not host a race in 2028 and 2030.
F1 are looking to rotate between races from 2026 onwards, as well as group events together by region. This would see Canada move closer to the Miami GP, Monaco move closer to the European leg and Australia and the Middle East kick off the season which could see Saudi Arabia host two races.
New circuits are also being linked with joining the calendar, such as events in Asia with Thailand and South Korea. F1 has also been rumoured to make a return to Africa, with the Kyalami Circuit in South Africa and Rwanda being talked about.
Germany and France are ‘pushing’ for a return to the F1 calendar
Spa is likely to be rotated with a European circuit in 2028 and 2030, with several tracks already being mentioned.
An Italian Circuit and Barcelona are being linked with possible deals. Imola is not expected to stay on the calendar its contract expires in 2025, while Barcelona is set to be replaced by the Madrid street circuit as the Spanish Grand Prix in 2026.
Discussing potential circuits that could join the calendar, journalist Jon Noble has claimed that France and Germany are ‘pushing’ for a potential return to the sport.
“We don’t know yet how it’s going to shake out. We don’t know how they’re going to slot in with these potential new races. Will it be Thailand? Will it be Rwanda? Will it be South Korea? Is it going to be Turkey?” he said via The Race F1 Podcast.
“But I think in terms of the European races, I think you’ve got to look at Imola potentially not being there all the time. Does it fill in occasionally?
“Barcelona, is it still got a chance alongside Madrid? Potentially, if they if they can pull a package together. And Baku, maybe Baku is one of those that’s going to fall off every year because it’s contract runs out in 2026.
“So there’s those three, but then also I think you’ve got some other contenders coming outside. I understand that France is pushing a little bit to get a Grand Prix back, and let’s not also forget Germany.”
What other circuits could rotate with Spa?
It would make sense for Germany to make its return to the calendar with the arrival of Audi to F1 in 2026. The country has not been on the calendar since 2020 when it hosted the Eifel GP at the Nurburgring.
The French Grand Prix was taken off the schedule after the 2022 race at Paul Ricard. The circuit could also make its return or it could move to another track.
Besides these two countries, several other options could be considered. A return to Mugello or Portimao would produce some exciting racing action given the fast nature of the circuits.
Istanbul would be a welcome return for fans and drivers. The iconic circuit made a temporary return in 2020 after nine years away, and it saw Lewis Hamilton secure his seventh world title.
Zandvoort would also be an option, but the Dutch GP promoter says the 2026 race will be its last after opting against signing a long-term contract.
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