By Joe Murphy
Formula 1 has released the Calendar for next season, with a notable change at the beginning of proceedings.
For the first time since 2019, the Australian Grand Prix is set to hot the opening race if the season, with Bahrain shifted to the fourth race post Japanese Grand Prix.
Much of the rest of the campaign looks quite familiar to longer term fans. Monaco, Monza, Spa, Silverstone all stay as expected and occur around the same time as they are usually held.
Three tracks will come from the United States, the last of which will eminate from Las Vegas which will be the third to last race next year and, notably, on a Saturday. Qatar and Abu Dhabi ensure a Middle Eastern finish to the season where potentially a World Champion could be crowned or will have already been so.
The only other shuffle is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix being moved to September, after the summer break and will now be the feature race before Singapore.
One driver who will definitely be there is Fernando Alonso. The Spainard’s announcement that he’s staying not only closes any potential chapter of the veteran racer lining up for Mercedes, but also shows he remains in the sport for the longer term, beyond the regulation changes of 2026. This announcement from both team and driver will surely also add fire to the Sainz to Mercedes rumours as this now makes by far the most sense. We should have answers in the next few weeks, potentially as soon as Sainz’ home race in Spain, next month.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 