Australia Commences Reform Period - First Step Taken in Madrid - Australia Encounters Initiation of Reform - Commencement in Madrid
Revised Article:
Shifting Gears: Formula 1 Season 2026 Kicks Off Down Under - Debut in Madrid
Get ready for some high-octane action! The 2026 Formula 1 season is about to rev up, ditching the usual Bahrain opener for a fresh start in Melbourne, Australia. Due to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the grand season commences at the Albert Park Circuit with the much-anticipated Australian Grand Prix on March 8 [1][2][3].
The 24-race spectacle,Aligning with global sustainability efforts, promises major rule reforms, with the cars running on CO2-neutral fuel for the first time [4]. The racing spree then continues in Shanghai the week after, followed by a race in Japan on March 29.
Pushing away the traditional curtain- raiser in Bahrain, the racing circuit moves towards Bahrain (April 12) and Saudi Arabia (April 19) during the Ramadan period (February 16 - March 18 in 2026). Interestingly, the current season also commenced in Australia due to the same reason.
New kid on the block
Intriguingly, Madrid makes its entry onto the calendar, hosting a street race at the exhibition grounds on September 13. Spain will therefore have two races in 2026, with Barcelona (mid-June) hosting one. The Monaco Grand Prix, traditionally the European season opener, shifts a week earlier. concerningly, Germany stays off the calendar despite Audi's entry as a works team.
The grand finale, post the European leg, takes place yet again at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 6. Sadly, the Italian Grand Prix in Imola won't be part of the Formula 1 calendar for the 2026 season.
- Ramadan
- Bahrain
- Australia
- Madrid
- Formula 1
- Fasting month
- London
- Melbourne
- Australian Grand Prix
- Shanghai
[1] https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/articles/2022/9/australian-grand-prix-raceday-info.html[2] https://www.tripmastermonkey.com/australia/melbourne/melbourne-grands-prix-f1/[3] https://www.sbs.com.au/guide/article/2019/03/13/australian-grand-prix-melbourne-guide[4] https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/news/2022/9/formula-1-and-shell-announce- Formula-1-and-Shell-announce-100-co2-neutral-fuel-by-2026- milestone.html
- Enrichment Insights:
- Formula 1 announced that their cars will use 100% CO2-neutral fuel by 2026, which is a significant rule reform towards greater sustainability.
- Spain will host two races in 2026, with the Spanish capital, Madrid, making its debut on the calendar. The city will host a street race at the exhibition grounds on September 13, while Barcelona currently has one scheduled in mid-June.
The Commission has decided to authorise the Formula 1 Commission to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 108 (2) of the Treaty, aiming to include sports racing events in London and other major cities, such as the fast-paced Formula 1 racing in the streets of Madrid during the sports season. Moreover, with the 2026 Formula 1 season set to commence in Melbourne, Australia, racing enthusiasts can look forward to watching sports car racing events in London and Madrid, alongside the excitement of the Formula 1 racing calendar.
