My Ideal F1 Calendar

In recent years, F1 has exploded globally, with new tracks popping up in all corners of the world. While expansion is exciting, it's also caused some bloated calendars, odd travel logistics, and some headaches. So here’s my version of an F1 calendar 20 to 22 races, plus testing, spaced out in a way that makes sense geographically, climatically, and culturally. I also tried to be realistic when it comes to contracts with the massive fees countries pay to host a race at certain parts of the season If I were running the show at FOM, here’s how it would go:

🧪 Preseason Testing 1 - Barcelona, Spain (Jan 27–28)

Barcelona is the classic choice for a reason. It’s close to many team factories in the UK and Italy, making logistics easy. The weather is decent in January, and the track itself has a perfect blend of high-speed corners, a long straight, and technical sections. It gives teams a good overall read on their new machinery across different conditions.

🧪 Preseason Testing 2 - Dubai Autodrome, UAE (Feb 10–12)

Rather than Abu Dhabi, which appears later on the calendar, we go to Dubai. It keeps the teams from gathering too much data for Yas Marina and gives us great weather and is a circuit that’s different in layout and flow. Plus, it’s a great marketing opportunity for F1 in a region that's rapidly growing its motorsport base.

Race 1 - Australian GP, Albert Park (Feb 27–Mar 1)

There’s just something magical about opening the season in Melbourne. The fans are passionate, the city’s buzzing, and the atmosphere is great. It’s not always the best race in terms of action, but it's perfect for easing into the season. A great opener that feels celebratory without overwhelming the drivers.

Race 2- Chinese GP, Shanghai (Mar 13–15)

China is an important market and deserves a race. The Shanghai layout isn’t perfect, but it offers enough diversity and unique corners to make it interesting. It also kicks off our first Asian/Middle Eastern swing and tests driver precision to the max.

Race 3 - Singapore GP (Mar 20–22)

We stay in Asia and move south to Singapore. The Marina Bay Street Circuit is one of the most visually stunning venues. While the layout could use a refresh in some places, the nighttime atmosphere under the lights is electric. March also avoids monsoon season, which makes it more race-friendly.

Race 4 - Qatar GP, Lusail Circuit (Mar 27–29)

Qatar has a relatively new place in F1 history, but Lusail looks like a fun track. While the racing isn’t always thrilling, the layout is clean and offers some proper high-speed sequences. It’s hot, it’s dry, and it’s mentally grueling which is a true test of driver consistency.

Race 5 - Bahrain GP (Apr 10–12)

A fan favorite for a reason. Bahrain always seems to bring solid racing. And it looks stunning under the lights. The lack of preseason testing here keeps the field guessing, and the blend of long straights and tricky corners lets the brave shine. It’s the perfect way to end our first leg in the Middle East.

Race 6 - Buenos Aires GP (Apr 24–26)

Here’s where we get creative. Argentina doesn’t currently have a Grade 1 circuit, but a downtown Buenos Aires street race would be epic. Latin America deserves more representation in F1, and this could be a fresh fan-favorite like Baku was when it first debuted. Call it fantasy for now, but it’s a dream worth chasing.

Race 7 - Miami GP (May 1–3)

Yes, it's divisive. But like it or not, Miami is a crucial market. The track is quirky and hasn't delivered fireworks yet, but the straights allow for overtaking, and there's potential. Even with the media appeal I'm not sure where else you can race given the lack of Grade 1 circuits in North America that actually want to host a race.

Race 8 - Canadian GP, Montreal (May 8–10)

One of the best atmospheres on the calendar. Montreal always feels like a celebration of motorsport. The track might be simple, but it punishes mistakes and rewards bravery, plus, weather can spice things up. This ends our early-season run through the Americas.

Race 9 - Monaco GP (May 29–31)

Monaco is sacred. It may not suit modern F1 cars well in terms of racing, but qualifying here is magic. The visuals, the tension, and the glamour. You don’t mess with Motorsports Christmas, It stays on its traditional late-May slot.

💤 Spring Mini Break

A quick breather before heading back into the European swing.

Race 10 - British GP, Silverstone (Jul 3–5)

Silverstone is the heart of F1 and deserves something special. So I’m introducing a “Throwback Weekend,” inspired by NASCAR’s Darlington. Retro liveries, classic race suits, a true celebration of F1 history. The racing here is brilliant, rain or shine.

🧪 Midseason Test - Silverstone (Jul 6–7)

With the first half of the season done, teams can use this two-day test to trial updates before the final push. It’s only fair to give them a proper shot at adjusting their cars midseason.

Race 11 - German GP, Hockenheimring (Jul 10–12)

With Audi entering and Mercedes still strong, Germany needs to return. Hockenheim offers better racing than the Nürburgring in my opinion and is historically significant. German fans deserve a home race, and this spot right before summer break is ideal.

Race 12 - Italian GP, Monza (Jul 24–26)

Before the second half we head to the Temple of Speed. It’s not always wheel-to-wheel chaos, but Monza has soul. Few circuits test engine power like this one. And watching the Tifosi cheer a Ferrari pole lap is a great sight.

💤 Summer Break

Three weeks to recharge and come back fighting.

Race 13 - Belgian GP, Spa-Francorchamps (Aug 28–30)

Spa stays. End of discussion. It’s iconic. The weather is unpredictable, the track is punishing, and it always produces moments that stay in memory. Perfect way to get back in the groove after the Summer Break

Race 14 - Malaysian GP, Sepang (Sep 11–13)

Sepang deserves a comeback. It’s wide, technical, fast , everything you want in a modern track. With the new generation of cars, I think this circuit could shine. Plus, Malaysia is a motorsport-hungry nation that F1 needs to return to.

Race 15 - Japanese GP, Suzuka (Sep 18–20)

We head into one of the most beloved tracks on the calendar. Suzuka is technical, narrow in places, and provides many sketchy moments. In early fall it may have mixed conditions. Ideal as we wrap up our last Asian leg.

💤 Fall Mini Break

One more pause before the final five-race sprint.

Race 16 - United States GP, Austin (Oct 9–11)

This is the racing purist’s American round. No frills, just a solid track with elevation changes and great overtaking. COTA always delivers, and if there’s a title fight brewing, this becomes a critical round in the championship.

Race 17 - Mexican GP, Mexico City (Oct 23–25)

A stadium section and massive crowds make Mexico special. Mexico brings a unique challenge with its high altitude, affecting downforce and engine cooling. While it doesn’t always bring tight battles, it demands precision from the teams.

Race 18 - Brazilian GP, Interlagos (Nov 6–8)

Interlagos is legendary. Weather chaos, last-lap drama, unpredictable strategy, it’s all here. One of the few remaining old-school circuits, and a place where championships are won, lost, or reborn. Never remove Brazil. I wanted to make this the final round but we all know the Middle-Eastern circuits would win a bidding war in real life.

Race 19 - Las Vegas GP (Nov 20–22)

As a penultimate race, Vegas offers a wildcard. Yes, the track still needs refinement, but it’s a major market and makes for a wild backdrop under the neon lights. If there is a close title battle this race would definitely be a banger.

Race 20 - Saudi Arabian GP, Jeddah (Dec 4–6)

The high-speed street circuit in Jeddah isn’t everyone's cup of tea, but it brings some intense moments. Especially when it comes to qualifying or a late race battle that keeps people on their toes.

Race 21 - Abu Dhabi GP, Yas Marina (Dec 11–13)

We finish under the lights in Abu Dhabi. Love it or not, the upgraded layout flows a bit better, and it has become F1’s traditional closing chapter. If the title fight goes down to the wire it's a big stage to end the season on.