Kickstarting the Green Era: Formula 1's 2026 Makeover - From Aus to Madrid
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Australia Kicks Off Reform Agenda - Madrid Opens for Debate - Australia kick-starts its reform phase - debut in Madrid
Buckle up, petrolheads! In 2026, the thrilling Formula 1 journey commences at the iconic Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, with the opening Australian Grand Prix on March 8. Following close behind will be races in Shanghai and Japan, as part of the 24-race schedule.
Why the shift in start location? Well, Formula 1 moves its opening event away from Bahrain due to the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which falls between February 16 and March 18 in the following year.
This revamped season promises a significant overhaul, steering the sport towards a greener, more sustainable future. One of the main changes includes cars running on 100% CO2-neutral fuel, produced in a carbon-neutral manner. This move marks a substantial stride in reducing the sport's carbon footprint.
Post-Australia, the race calendar progresses to Bahrain (April 12) and Saudi Arabia (April 19) before returning to races in Europe.
A exciting debut awaits – Madrid, the Spanish capital, jumps into the F1 scene on September 13, at the exhibition grounds city circuit. Spain hosts two races next year, with a second event at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in mid-June. The Monaco Grand Prix, serving as the European season opener, takes place a week earlier.
Unfortunately, despite Audi’s entry as a works team in 2026, Germany won't be featured on the calendar. The season finale, following the European leg, will once again take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 6. This season bidents farewell to the Italian Grand Prix in Imola.
- Ramadan
- Bahrain
- Australia
- Madrid
- Formula 1
- Fasting month
- London
- Melbourne
- Australian Grand Prix
- Shanghai
- Spain
- Monaco Grand Prix
As we gear up for the new season, Formula 1 is taking massive strides towards sustainability and environmental responsibility, aligning with the sport’s goal of achieving net-zero by 2030. This transformation includes, but is not limited to, running cars on 100% advanced sustainable e-fuels, shifting to 100% renewable energy, expanding the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and implementing numerous technical changes for increased efficiency. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as the 2026 season unfolds!
The Commission has decided to authorise Formula 1 to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 108 (2) of the Treaty, given the sports focus on racing towards a greener future, with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne set to kickstart the season on March 8, 2026, coinciding with the fasting month of Ramadan being observed in Bahrain from February 16 to March 18, 2026. In contrast, Madrid, the Spanish capital, will make its debut as a Formula 1 host city on September 13, 2026.
