F1 Calendar is taking shape: Definitely 24 Grands Prix in '26, one race to be dropped

While the 2025 season has only recently started, Formula 1 is already busy making preparations for next season as well. GPblog can confirm that 24 Grands Prix will be on the calendar. That means one race will be removed from the current schedule.

Similarly to the current season, there will be also 24 Grands Prix in 2026. However, one race from the current calendar will disappear.

Why is that the case? In 2026, the first weekend at the Madrid circuit will be hosted. Despite false rumours doubting that the weekend could take place, GPblog has confirmed that the circuit and facilities will be ready on time.

This race will now be the Spanish Grand Prix. That name previously belonged to the race weekend in Barcelona. However, the Circuit de Catalunya still has a contract for 2026, so it will remain on F1's roster of races. This would mean that there will be two race weekends in Spain, but the one in Barcelona will go by a different name.

Three F1 circuits without a contract for '26

Currently, three circuits from the current list have no contracts beyond the 2025 season. These are the events in Imola, Mexico City, and Las Vegas. The latter race is organised by Formula 1 itself, and it is certain that this blockbuster event will not disappear from the calendar.

There is more uncertainty about the races in Imola (Italy) and Mexico. The facilities in Imola are outdated for a race that returned as a temporary solution during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was held year on year, and was only cancelled in 2023 due to floods in the region, nevertheless a new contract with F1 is by no means guaranteed.

The Grand Prix in Mexico City is a beloved event, with tens of thousands of fans in the stands annually, who always came to see their hero, Sergio Perez, but the Mexican is (temporarily?) retired from F1. It remains to be seen whether the enthusiasm of the Mexicans will still be as great without their countryman to cheer for.

Every other track on the current calendar has a contract for the 2026 season as well.

The complete 2026 calendar may, possibly, be revealed at the end of the month.

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