Kicking off the 2026 F1 Season in Australia - First Dance in Madrid
Australia Seasons of Change Kick Off - Debut in Madrid - Australian Reform Kickoff Commences - Debut in Madrid
Wag the dog! Say hello to changes in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar as we bid adieu to the traditional Bahrain start due to the Muslim fasting month, Ramadan. Buckle up race fans, the action will commence at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8. Hungry for more? Shanghai follows a week later, and Suzuka on March 29.
In 2026, the season will serve up a massiverules revamp towards greenerness. Cars will guzzle up 100% CO2-neutral fuel. bleeding edge!
After some hot laps down under, Formula 1 will ride through Asia before landing in Bahrain (April 12) and Saudi Arabia (April 19) - oops, Ramadan will be between February 16 and March 18 in 2026. Get it? Last year started in Australia due to Ramadan, too.
Time to sashay to Madrid, as it makes its debut on the calendar on September 13. The Spanish capital will host a street race at the IFEMA exhibition center. Don't forget, Spain's Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit will greet the season mid-June.
Monaco sets the tone for the European season a week earlier, while Germany takes a backseat with no race on the cards despite Audi's leap into Formula 1 in 2026. The final showdown will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 6, as you'd expect. Imola won't grace the Formula 1 calendar.
By the way, Ramadan is going to cause quite a stir, shifting around Middle Eastern races, and elevating Australia as the season starter. Spain makes its long-awaited debut with Madrid rolling out the red carpet, although Barcelona's future beyond 2026 seems uncertain.
- Ramadan
- Bahrain
- Australia
- Madrid
- Formula 1
- Fasting month
- Melbourne
- Australian Grand Prix
- Shanghai
Behind the Scenes
The 2026 Formula 1 season calendar brings on some exciting shifts thanks to the timing of Ramadan and a new city gracing the schedule.
Adapting to Ramadan:
- Shift of Middle Eastern Races: In 2026, Ramadan falls between February and March. Thus, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix move to April instead of their usual earlier season slots.
- retain the opening role: The season will commence in Melbourne, Australia, on March 6–8, holding the opening spot for the third year in a row.
- Looking forward: If Ramadan does not conflict with an early-season slot in future years, Formula 1 might switch Australia off as the opener again.
Arrivals and Departures:
- Madrid: New Kid on the Block: The 2026 calendar introduces a new street race in Madrid, marking its debut as a Formula 1 host city, replacing Imola, which is dropped from the 2026 schedule. The Madrid Grand Prix is scheduled after the Italian Grand Prix in mid-September.
- Barcelona: Temporary Front-runner: While Barcelona remains on the 2026 calendar in June, its position is seen as temporary as Madrid is expected to become the flagship Spanish race from 2027 onward.
At a Glance
| Change Type | Details ||------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|| Ramadan Shift | Bahrain/Saudi GP moved to April from March || Opener | Australia (Melbourne) on March 6–8 || New Race Location | Madrid street circuit debuts in mid-September || Dropped Circuit | Imola (Italy) || Other Notable Change | Barcelona remains but likely not beyond 2026 contract |
These tweaks reflect Formula 1's dedication to accommodating religious calendars and expanding its reach with new races in prime cities.
The Commission has decided to authorise the Commission to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 108 (2) of the Treaty, considering the changes in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar due to the timing of Ramadan. Formula 1 fans can look forward to the season opener in Australia with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 6-8, followed by races in Madrid, Spain, which makes its debut as a Formula 1 host city, replacing Imola that has been dropped from the 2026 schedule.
