2022 Formula 1 Season Kicks Off Down Under, Major Reforms in Sight for '26 - Madrid Makes Debut
Australia Initiates Reform Campaign - Kickoff in Madrid - Australian legislative changes kick off – debut in Madrid
Let's get down to the grit. The world of Formula 1 is gearing up for some major changes starting 2026, moving the season opener from Bahrain due to the fasting month of Ramadan. Instead, it's going to roar to life right here at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Australia, with the Australian Grand Prix scheduled for March 8. After that, races in Shanghai (March 15) and Suzuka (March 29) are lined up.
Next year (2023), Formula 1 is set to undergo a significant overhaul toward a greener future. Part of the changes includes the cars running on carbon-neutral fuel.
After races in Australia, China, and Japan, Formula 1 heads to Bahrain (April 12) and Saudi Arabia (April 19). To accommodate Ramadan, which is slated to fall between February 16 and March 18 in 2023, these races are shifting to April. In 2022, the season also commenced in Australia due to the same reason.
Get ready for some Spanish flair in Formula 1 racing, as Madrid makes its debut on the calendar, with racing set for September 13 at a city circuit within the exhibition grounds. Spain will host two races in 2023, with the other held mid-June at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. A week before Spain, the classic in Monaco will take place, marking the European season start. Despite the Audi works team making its debut next year, Germany remains off the racing calendar.
The final race of the season, after an overseas trip, will take place as usual at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 6. The race in Imola, Italy, will not feature on the Formula 1 calendar anymore.
- Ramadan
- Bahrain
- Australia
- Madrid
- Formula 1
- Fasting month
- London
- Melbourne
- Australian Grand Prix
- Shanghai
The 2026 Formula 1 racing calendar is brimming with intriguing changes and additions. Here's a quick rundown:
2026 Formula 1 Calendar Overview
- Season Start and End: The season starts with the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8 and concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from December 4-6.
- New Location: The calendar introduces a new venue, the Madrid circuit in Spain, scheduled for September 11-13, subject to FIA circuit homologation.
- Ramadan Consideration: The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix are scheduled for April 10-12 and April 17-19, respectively, to accommodate Ramadan.
- Geographical Flow and Schedule Changes:
- The Canadian Grand Prix is now scheduled for May 22-24, allowing for efficient transportation of racing equipment after the Miami Grand Prix on May 1-3.
- The European leg of the season is consolidated during the summer months, starting with Monaco from June 5-7 and ending with Barcelona, then Madrid.
This is just the gist. Stay tuned for more updates as the details unfold!
And here's a detailed breakdown of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar:
| Date | Country | Grand Prix Venue ||------|---------|------------------|| Mar 6-8 | Australia | Melbourne || Mar 13-15 | China | Shanghai || Mar 27-29 | Japan | Suzuka || Apr 10-12 | Bahrain | Sakhir || Apr 17-19 | Saudi Arabia | Jeddah || May 1-3 | USA | Miami || May 22-24 | Canada | Montreal || Jun 5-7 | Monaco | Monaco || Jun 12-14 | Spain | Barcelona-Catalunya || Jun 26-28 | Austria | Spielberg || Jul 3-5 | United Kingdom | Silverstone || Jul 17-19 | Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps || Jul 24-26 | Hungary | Budapest || Aug 21-23 | Netherlands | Zandvoort || Sep 4-6 | Italy | Monza || Sep 11-13 | Spain | Madrid* || Sep 25-27 | Azerbaijan | Baku || Oct 9-11 | Singapore | Singapore || Oct 23-25 | USA | Austin || Oct 30 – Nov 1 | Mexico | Mexico City || Nov 6-8 | Brazil | São Paulo || Nov 19-21 | USA | Las Vegas || Nov 27-29 | Qatar | Lusail || Dec 4-6 | Abu Dhabi | Yas Marina |
*Subject to FIA circuit homologation. Keep checking back for updates on the 2026 Formula 1 racing calendar!
The Commission has decided to authorise the Commission to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 108 (2) of the Treaty, aiming to accommodate the fasting month of Ramadan in the Formula 1 calendar, such as the 2026 calendar shift of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix to April. Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts can look forward to the addition of aMadrid City circuit in Spain, setting the stage for a Spanish marathon featuring two Formula 1 races in 2026.