Revamped Formula 1 Race Calendar in 2026: A Fresh Lineup!
Australia Embraces Reform - Kickoff in Madrid - Australia kicks off its reform period - debut in Madrid
Prepare for some major changes in the Formula 1 racing world! The 2026 season brings a shake-up to the calendar, as we bid adieu to traditional season openers and welcome new locations. Here's the lowdown on the brand new F1 racing schedule:
The Newcomers
- Australia: The season will kick off in style with the Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit on March 8. Racing enthusiasts can also look forward to the iconic Melbourne circuit on March 15 and Japan's Suzuka on March 29.
- Madrid: The Spanish capital is all set to host its first-ever Formula 1 race, with a street race at the IFEMA exhibition center on September 13. Spain will boast two races in 2026, with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosting the event in mid-June.
The Return of Tradition
- After the Middle East races, the F1 championship returns to Europe with the Monaco Grand Prix, serving as the season opener in Europe and taking place a week earlier.
- The season finale once again takes place in the luxurious setting of the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 6.
Sustainable Racing
The 2026 season promises a significant overhaul towards greater sustainability. Cars will run on 100% CO2-neutral fuel during the races, marking a significant step towards eco-friendly racing.
A Few Notable Absences
- The Italian Grand Prix in Imola will not feature in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
- Despite Audi's entry as a works team, Germany remains absent from the calendar.
Adapting to Ramadan
To accommodate the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the season will begin in Melbourne rather than Bahrain. The current season also started in Australia due to Ramadan. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are still scheduled for April, but the exact dates may change based on Ramadan's calendar.
- Madrid
- Barcelona-Catalunya
- Monza
- Monaco
- Miami
- Canada
- Shanghai
- Suzuka
- Australian Grand Prix
- Jeddah
- Sakhir
- Spain
- Austria
- Silverstone
- Belgium
- Hungary
- Netherlands
- Italy
- Azerbaijan
- Singapore
- Austin
- Mexico City
- São Paulo
- Las Vegas
- Lusail
- Abu Dhabi
- Yas Marina Circuit
Stay tuned for more updates on the 2026 Formula 1 race calendar! This is going to be a season unlike any other, with a fresh lineup, new venues, and a focus on sustainability. Buckle up and get ready for the ultimate racing experience!
Enrichment Data
Overall:
The 2026 Formula 1 season features a calendar consisting of 24 race weekends, including a mix of new and traditional venues. Below is the detailed schedule:
| Date | Country | Grand Prix Venue ||-------------|---------|---------------------|| 06-08 Mar | Australia | Melbourne || 13-15 Mar | China | Shanghai || 27-29 Mar | Japan | Suzuka || 10-12 Apr | Bahrain | Sakhir || 17-19 Apr | Saudi Arabia| Jeddah || 01-03 May | USA | Miami || 22-24 May | Canada | Montreal || 05-07 Jun | Monaco | Monaco || 12-14 Jun | Spain | Barcelona-Catalunya || 26-28 Jun | Austria | Spielberg || 03-05 Jul | United Kingdom| Silverstone || 17-19 Jul | Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps || 24-26 Jul | Hungary | Budapest || 21-23 Aug | Netherlands| Zandvoort || 04-06 Sep | Italy | Monza || 11-13 Sep | Spain | Madrid || 25-27 Sep | Azerbaijan| Baku || 09-11 Oct | Singapore| Singapore || 23-25 Oct | USA | Austin || 30 Oct – 01 Nov | Mexico | Mexico City || 06-08 Nov | Brazil | São Paulo || 19-21 Nov | USA | Las Vegas || 27-29 Nov | Qatar | Lusail || 04-06 Dec | Abu Dhabi | Yas Marina |*Subject to FIA circuit homologation[1][3][5].
Changes and Adjustments
- Ramadan Consideration: The season starts in Melbourne instead of Bahrain to accommodate the Ramadan holiday, which affects the timing of races in the Middle East[5].
- Madrid Inclusion: The Madrid Grand Prix is added to the calendar, replacing Imola, subject to circuit homologation[5].
- Monaco and Imola Changes: Monaco moves to an earlier slot, and Imola is dropped from the calendar[3][5].
- Geographical Flow: The calendar is designed to improve the geographical flow of races, with the Canadian Grand Prix now following Miami in an earlier slot[1].
Overall, the 2026 calendar includes 24 race weekends, features new venues like Madrid, and makes adjustments to accommodate religious holidays and improve the racing schedule's logistical efficiency.
The Commission, following the decision in Article 108 (2) of the Treaty, has authorized the Commission to initiate the procedure for the revamped Formula 1 race calendar in 2026. Amidst the exciting new lineup, sports enthusiasts can look forward to the Australia Grand Prix, which will be held on March 8, and the Spanish capital, Madrid, hosting its first-ever Formula 1 race on September 13.
