IndyCar Driver Calls Out F1 After 2026 Calendar Changes: 'Single Handedly Ruined Motorsport Xmas'

Newsweek

12-06-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin has called out Formula One for shuffling the 2026 calendar, which has "ruined" the opportunity for fans to watch the "3 crown jewels."
The Monaco Grand Prix is usually held on the same day as the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 race in Charlotte and the Indianapolis 500. In 2026, the Monaco GP will be held on 7th June, while the Canadian Grand Prix has been moved to an earlier date, which clashes with the IndyCar and NASCAR races.
The swapping of the Monaco and Canadian Grands Prix has led McLaughlin to criticize the shuffle, who pointed out that motorsport fans won't be able to enjoy all the events since the Canadian GP would be held at a similar time.
This prompted him to suggest that F1 has "single handedly ruined Motorsport Xmas." Revealing his feelings on X, he wrote:
Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Max Verstappen of...
Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 25, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. More"Congrats to @f1 who single handedly ruined Motorsport Xmas. Indy 500 will be a scene next year. As well as the Coke 600. Good luck."
He added:
"FYI.. I'm just sad for the race fan in me that loved watching 3 Crown Jewels on the same day. But instead we've decided to compete with each other instead of just enjoy pure Motorsport. Anyway, that is all."
FYI.. I'm just sad for the race fan in me that loved watching 3 Crown Jewels on the same day. But instead we've decided to compete with each other instead of just enjoy pure Motorsport. Anyway, that is all. — Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin93) June 10, 2025
F1's 2026 calendar was recently unveiled, with the biggest change being the introduction of Madrid, which will host the Spanish GP. However, to accommodate the new venue in a packed calendar, Imola has been dropped. Notably, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya also faced a threat since its F1 contract expires at the end of 2026.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton admitted that dropping Barcelona from the F1 calendar would be a shame and voiced his support for classic F1 circuits. Newsweek Sports reported his statement:
"I think ultimately losing any of the classics, and this is one of the classics, I think would be a shame, because as I said, it's a great city.
"There's a great following here in Spain, particularly since Fernando [Alonso] was here. As long as we have a race in Spain, that's what matters most.
"This feels like the home of Formula 1 in Spain. But it's okay to progress as a sport, and I know Madrid, as I said, is a great location."
He added:
"As long as they build a good circuit, which I'm less hopeful for - building new circuits is very, very hit and miss. 90 plus per cent of the time, it's worse.
"As long as it's a better circuit, or as good a circuit, I'm not bothered either way."