F1 breaks tradition: New format for Monaco weekend

Formula 1 has released its race calendar for the upcoming season.

A total of 24 Grand Prix are scheduled, starting with the race in Bahrain on March 14. The Persian Gulf state is listed again, as is Saudi Arabia – where races were not held in 2026 due to the Iran war.

In return, Melbourne (AUS) moves back to the first week of April.

Istanbul and Portimao Back on the Calendar

Two tracks return to the calendar, with loyal F1 fans likely most looking forward to the comeback in Istanbul (TUR). Additionally, races will once again be held in Portugal (Portimao) – the premier class last visited both tracks in 2021.

Conversely, the races in Barcelona (ESP) and Zandvoort (NED) have been dropped. While the Circuit de Catalunya will alternate with Spa-Francorchamps, with races returning there in 2028, there will be no home race for Max Verstappen in the near future.

The season will conclude, as it did this year, in the Middle East, in Qatar and Abu Dhabi (UAE). The Yas Marina Circuit will host the race on December 12.

Sprint Weekend Also in Monte Carlo

Meanwhile, F1 boss Stefano Domenicali's wish for more sprints is also being fulfilled: A total of ten are scheduled.

Besides Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, Brazil, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, there's also a surprise: The premier class has scheduled a Sprint weekend in Monaco as well.

While races in recent years have often resembled processions, qualifying is considered the highlight in the Principality – and there will now be two of them. However, the idea has not been very well received by fans on social media.