Shifting Sands: Formula 1 Calendar Overhaul for 2026
Australia's reform process commences - Kickoff in Madrid - Australia Initiates Reform Phase - Kickoff in Madrid
Welcome to the new chapter in Formula 1 racing, where the calendar's taking a drastic turn. A myriad of factors, including religious observances and the introduction of fresh locales, has resulted in a revamped schedule for the 2026 season. Buckle up, racing fans!
Fasting Away from BahrainThe season opener is swapping the desert sands of Bahrain for the vibrant city of Melbourne. You guessed it! The resurrection of Ramadan brings about changes, and this time, the Australian Grand Prix secures the starting line on March 8, 2026, while the usual starter's pistol in Bahrain is taking a well-deserved pause.
Madrid Makes Its MarkEurope is set for a Spanish invasion! With a penchant for flamenco, tapas, and high-speed racing, Madrid steps into the racing scene amidst the glitz and glamour of the exhibition grounds on September 13. With this fiery addition, Spain will play host to two Formula 1 races next year, pushing Imola off the calendar roster.
Circuit of ChangeOther shifts in the calendar include the Monaco Grand Prix nabbing the esteemed title of European season opener, placing its race week a week before the mid-June Spanish event. Plus, the Canadian Grand Prix is scheduled to align with the Indianapolis 500, possibly creating a stir in the racing community.
Furthermore, the sprint events continue their reign, with six staged in 2026, promising an exciting adrenaline rush throughout the calendar. Teams will also be treated to three three-day tests in Barcelona and Bahrain for some pre-season preparation.
Overall, the 2026 Formula 1 schedule drops the Asian racetracks in Imola, and raises the stakes in the bustling streets of Madrid, marking the start of a thrilling new season. Bye-bye, Mayan Hill Park; hello, El Prado! So, let's dust off our racing gloves and gear up for the roaring engines and unpredictable twists the 2026 Formula 1 season has in store!
- Madrid
- Ramadan
- Formula 1
- Fasting month
- Australia
- Monaco
- Canada
- Sustainability
- Bahrain
- Sprint Events
- Imola
- Melbourne
- Australian Grand Prix
- Shanghai
- Japan
- Abu Dhabi
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Formula_One_World_Championship[2] https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/formula-1-fixes-2026-calendar-with-debuts-double-headers-and-a-double-elimination-shu-han-yu/14228786/[3] https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/18/canadian-grand-prix-to-be-shuffled-to-same-date-as-indy-500-in-2026/[4] https://www.essentiallysports.com/racing/260411-spain-gets-second-formula-1-race-on-2026-calendar-replacing-imola/[5] https://www.racefans.net/2022/05/10/final-23-calendar-revealed-with-imola-and-portimao-dropped/
The Commission, in alignment with Formula 1, has decided to authorise the Commission to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 108 (2) of the Treaty, marking a significant change for the upcoming racing season. As Ramadan draws nearer, the Australian Grand Prix, taking place in Melbourne on March 8, 2026, will replace the season opener in Bahrain, due to the fasting month's observances.
