No matter who is in charge of Formula 1 at any given time, it has been no secret that the sport’s big ambition is to “crack” the US market. For decades now the organisers have been experimenting with different circuits in the hope of winning the hearts of US motorsport fans and in particular taking the attention off Indycar racing. 

The F1 schedule for 2026 was recently unveiled and it did not take too long for observers to spot F1’s attempt to undermine the US open wheel series. Hidden in the new 24 race calendar was the fact that the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal has been switched from its normal June date to mid-May with a 2 pm local start time. This is significant because one hour and 15 minutes before, in the same time zone, the flag will drop on the 2026 Indianapolis 500, meaning a never seen before head to head for US race car fans. 

It is all a far cry when schedules were agreed between the two series so that Grand Prix drivers could compete at the famous oval circuit without affecting their Grand Prix programme. In more recent years the Indy 500 has been on the same day as the Monaco Grand Prix, but with a start time well after the finish of that race. How US fans will react to the clash remains to be seen, but don’t be surprised if Indianapolis, wins the ratings war.   

Outside of this the new schedule has been regionalised to reduce travel, with teams able to truck around Europe from June to September. 

The full Grand Prix calendar is: 

• March 6-8 - Australia, Melbourne
• March 13-15 - China, Shanghai
• March 27-29 – Japan, Suzuka
• April 10-12 – Bahrain, Sakhir
• April 17-19 - Saudi Arabia, Jeddah
• May 1-3 – USA,     Miami
• May 22-24 – Canada, Montreal
• June 5-7 – Monaco, Monaco
• June 12-14 – Spain, Barcelona-Catalunya
• June 26-28 – Austria, Spielberg
• July 3-5 – Britain, Silverstone
• July 17-19 – Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps
• July 24-26 – Hungary, Budapest
• August 21-23, Netherlands, Zandvoort
• September 4-6 – Italy, Monza
• Sept 11-13 – Spain, Madrid
• Sept 25-27 – Azerbaijan, Baku
• October 9-11 – Singapore, Singapore
• October 23-25- USA, Austin
• Oct 30 - Nov 1 – Mexico, Mexico City
• November 6-8 -    Brazil, Sao Paulo
• Nov 19-21 – USA, Las Vegas
• Nov 27-29 – Qatar, Lusail
• December 4-6 - Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina