Formula 1 Calendar Reform
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has put forward a plan to restructure the Formula 1 calendar, featuring 20 permanent Grands Prix and 8 rotating events that would change every two years. Brown argues that this approach would allow the championship to expand its geographic reach to 28 markets, but he stresses that exceeding 24 races annually is unfeasible given the already demanding schedule.
“There are countries lining up for Grands Prix. Now we have to rotate some of them. So I think we need—and I would support this idea—to lock in 20 permanent Grands Prix, and then maybe have eight that rotate every two years,” Brown stated.
Formula 1 2026 Season Calendar
As it stands, Formula 1 has planned 24 rounds for the 2026 season. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were recently dropped from the calendar due to instability in the Middle East. Next year, Istanbul in Turkey and Portimão in Portugal will replace Barcelona in Spain and Zandvoort in the Netherlands.
After the Miami Grand Prix, there will be a three-week break before the next round—the Canadian Grand Prix—which will take place at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal from May 22 to May 24. Last year in Quebec, George Russell took the win, with Max Verstappen and Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes completing the podium.
In the championship standings after the Miami Grand Prix, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has three wins in four rounds and has accumulated 100 points, leading George Russell by 20 points. Charles Leclerc has 59 points, while McLaren’s Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton each have 51 points. Their teammate Oscar Piastri has secured 43 points, and Verstappen has 26. Mercedes leads the Constructors’ Championship with 180 points, followed by Ferrari with 110, McLaren with 94, and Red Bull with 30.
Sadly, former Formula 1 driver Alessandro Zanardi passed away recently at the age of 59. After losing both legs, he went on to become a four-time Paralympic champion. Additionally, the Turkish Grand Prix has returned to the Formula 1 calendar, with Istanbul Park signing a five-season contract. The first Turkish Grand Prix under this deal will take place in 2027.
Zak Brown’s proposal to reform the Formula 1 calendar reflects the championship leadership’s drive to adapt to modern conditions and broaden its global footprint. This could help attract new markets and fans, given the growing interest in motorsport around the world. At the same time, maintaining a balance between the number of races and the quality of event organization remains a key challenge for organizers. The return of the Turkish Grand Prix also highlights Formula 1’s efforts to revive traditional rounds while adjusting to shifting global circumstances.
As discussions about the future of the Formula 1 calendar evolve, the situation regarding potential races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia remains uncertain. With the recent cancellation of events in these regions, the sport is weighing its options for expansion. For further insights into how these developments could impact the championship, read more about the possibility of returning to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.