F1 2026 changes: Karun Chandhok reveals the race to drop and the one to revive. Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok shares his thoughts on the 2026 calendar changes.

The 2026 Formula 1 season will bring several technical regulation changes, with only one alteration in the calendar: in Europe, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola will no longer take place, replaced by the first edition of the Madrid Grand Prix on the new city circuit of Madring. The total number of races will remain at 24, with F1 President Stefano Domenicali already expressing the desire to increase the number of Sprint races in the future or expand the calendar to new countries.

Which Grand Prix to remove

Meanwhile, several F1 insiders and former drivers have openly expressed opinions about circuits they would like to see removed or reintroduced. In this case, current television pundit and former F1 driver Karun Chandhok was very clear about the track he dislikes: “China, 100% – the former HRT and Lotus driver said on the Fast and Furious podcast – the paddock is completely soulless. It’s built on marshy land, there are insects everywhere, nobody is around, and everyone disappears into these small buildings. They say the Grand Prix is held in Shanghai, but it’s like saying there’s a London Grand Prix in Corby or something. It has nothing to do with Shanghai; it’s kilometers away. So I would remove it immediately.”

The Grand Prix he wants back

At the same time, the 41-year-old revealed his preferred circuit to return to the calendar: “I really like Malaysia – he added – it was a fantastic track. I loved racing there in various categories; the races were always great. The weather was a bit wild and unpredictable, the people were lovely, a great place to go, hot and very humid, but that’s exactly what I always miss. I also think about Turkey, where we’ve seen some exciting races, but if I had to choose one, it would definitely be Malaysia.”

Heading into a transformative 2026 with active aerodynamics, increased electric power, and sustainable fuels, calendar tweaks could enhance the on-track spectacle even further. Karun Chandhok’s picks reflect a desire for venues that deliver excitement and soul—qualities every F1 enthusiast craves.