Monaco Grand Prix Next Up in Altered 2026 Formula 1 Season

The 2026 Formula 1 season is gearing up for its next challenge: the iconic Monaco Grand Prix. Scheduled for the first weekend of June, this race marks the first third of the season, though the calendar has been altered with the cancellation of events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Five of the seven originally planned races have taken place so far.

Italian driver Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes currently dominates the season, leading the drivers' standings with four victories. He holds a significant points advantage over his teammate George Russell. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton are also in contention, while McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are further down the grid. Max Verstappen of Red Bull has had a less dominant season, sitting seventh in the standings.

In a notable performance, Franco Colapinto, driving for Alpine, secured his best-ever Formula 1 result by finishing sixth in the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. This achievement earned him eight points, bringing his season total to 15 and placing him eleventh in the drivers' championship. The Alpine team, with contributions from Pierre Gasly, holds fifth place in the constructors' standings.

The Monaco Grand Prix will kick off a series of nine consecutive European races. Following Monte Carlo, the season will continue through Barcelona, Austria, Silverstone, Belgium, Hungary, the Netherlands, Italy, and a new circuit in Madrid. The season is set to conclude in December with races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Sao Paulo.