Teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli targets a fifth straight win as the grid descends on Monaco, kicking off a pivotal European stretch defined by intensifying title rivalries and regulation shifts.
The 2026 Formula 1 World Championship is rolling through one of its most exciting stretches, with the European leg of the calendar bringing legendary events and iconic circuits over the coming weeks — from the historic streets of Monaco to the high-speed temple of Monza.
Last weekend, the Canadian Grand Prix took center stage at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, and it was once again a commanding victory for teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian has been everything the sport hoped for and more since his arrival as one of F1's most hyped prospects.
Antonelli now leads the Drivers' Championship after four consecutive victories, pulling clear of his teammate George Russell. Meanwhile, the gap between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc has tightened following the latest race, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri right on their heels.
In the Constructors' Championship, Mercedes holds a commanding lead, with their two drivers' points haul building a substantial advantage over Ferrari in second. McLaren sits third, with Red Bull Racing — Max Verstappen's operation — and Alpine rounding out the top five with Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly.
When Is the Next F1 Race?
The next stop on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar is the Monaco Grand Prix, scheduled for June 5–7 on the iconic street circuit of the Monegasque principality. One of the most storied and celebrated races in the sport's history, Monaco is always one of the most anticipated events of the season for fans worldwide.
The 2026 season has had a turbulent start: two races were canceled due to armed conflicts in the Middle East, forcing an unexpected multi-week gap in the schedule. That unplanned pause came on top of an already-scheduled break, leaving the calendar with a notable void of racing action.
After Canada, Monaco arrives with just a single week of rest before the paddock heads straight to the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Then, after another brief break, comes a high-stakes back-to-back with the Austrian Grand Prix, followed by the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
This stretch of European racing is set to be pivotal for the championship battle. The new 2026 regulations have stirred significant controversy, and the FIA is expected to continue making adjustments to the cars during this period, with the aim of delivering more authentic on-track action and addressing pointed criticism from drivers, including Max Verstappen.
