Would you like to see an F1 race in 2026?

As we reach the climax of the 2025 championship, and see which of the McLaren drivers will become world champion, the focus is already on next year especially if you’re looking to travel to see a race, maybe for the first time?

You’ll see lots of adverts from travel agents all over the internet about some of the Grand Prix’s that’s geared around other motives – most notably the two races at the end of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, which for a true F1 fan it’s a bit of a waste of time. As an F1 fan for over thirty years, who has travelled to races and even winter testing, and a former F1 and Formula E internet blogger/journalist, I’m not joking that I know a thing or two to make the most out of a race weekend.

So, first things first – what’s the calendar looking like for 2026. Well there’s a couple of notable changes – the obvious one is that the Monaco Grand Prix has been moved back a week into June, which means it no longer clashes with the Indy 500 (another must go to event if you’re a true race fan – probably one of the biggest race events anywhere!). However, it does clash with the Canadian Grand Prix – which is essentially on the same time zone (although we’re going to be getting a later race start). The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is also going to be on a Saturday!

We do also have a new race event in Madrid in September – a half street, half permanent venue – although it’s currently pending as it hasn’t actually been completed yet. This replaces Imola – so no off shots to going to Maranello or Moderna, both of which are easily accessible by flying to Bologna.

So, as an expert where would I be looking to go? 

If you’re looking for a more ‘festival’ atmosphere – it’s hard to get around the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa (both of which may require camping), or the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort (but prepare to be outnumbered by the orange army).

If it’s your first time at a Grand Prix – I would suggest Barcelona. You can stay in lovely Barcelona and get the train to the track each day which only takes about 30 minutes and then another 30 minute walk at the other end (or there is a shuttle bus if you don’t want to walk). It’s relatively inexpensive as far as Grand Prix’s go, Barcelona is easy to get to and there are plenty of places to stay in the city. I would also say the same for Hungary – although I would say you would need to be prepared for it to either rain or be extremely hot!

However, for the experience – I would want to be looking at either the US Grand Prix in Austin or the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal – both are events, but fly under the radar of the European fanbase, or fly to Japan for the Sakura season and head to Suzuka for what is one of the most iconic races of the year on one of the drivers favourite circuits.