The Race team names the best and worst races of F1 2026 so far

The 2026 Formula 1 season has produced a wildly uneven batch of races. The Race's editors have named the events that delivered proper racing—and those buried under the new regulations.

Why it matters:

The ruleset was meant to revolutionize racing, but a two-tier reality has emerged. Certain circuits produced classics, while high-speed staples expose a fundamental flaw: energy starvation can render brilliant defensive driving meaningless with one button press.

The Details:

• The best: Canada and Hungary topped the list for genuine wheel-to-wheel action, highlighted by the Russell-Antonelli duel and Verstappen's pass on Hamilton at Turn 1. Barcelona also impressed with marginal strategy calls.
• The worst: Suzuka was singled out as the season's low point, with multiple editors citing nonexistent harvesting and hollow drive-by passes. Spa was so poor that some argued classic venues should be shelved until the next regulatory cycle.
• The energy trap: At Silverstone, Hamilton's brilliant outside pass at Copse was instantly erased on the Hangar Straight by energy differentials, proving that hard racing is currently a losing proposition on high-speed tracks.

What's Next:

Monza is shaping up as the next headache, with writers dreading another high-speed event where harvesting struggles could ruin the show. Until the battery rules evolve further, the season's split personality is likely here to stay.