Formula 1's 2026 Calendar Shake-Up: Australia Kicks Off, Madrid Debuts, Imola Out, and More! 🏎️🏁
Australia Commences Reform Initiatives - Debut in Madrid - Australian reforms kick off, initial unveiling occurring in Madrid.
Gear up, racing fans! The Formula 1 season in 2026 is going to be a wild ride with some major changes up its sleeve. Let's dive into the details!
The season is set to commence in style at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Australia on March 8, instead of the traditional Bahrain opener. The reason for the shift lies in the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which falls between February 16 and March 18 next year, leading to the postponement of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to April.
For the first time ever, Madrid will join the Formula 1 racing scene, hosting a street race at the exhibition grounds on September 13. Barcelona will continue to race in June, while the Monaco classic will serve as the European season opener, taking place a week before Barcelona. Unfortunately, Germany will not be part of the racing calendar next year, despite the start of the Audi works team.
Another noteworthy change is the removal of Imola from the calendar, which has held five races since its return in 2020. The season will include 24 races in total, with the European block consisting of uninterrupted races except for a break for the Asian races in Shanghai and Japan's Suzuka in March. The finale is scheduled to take place as usual on the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 6.
As for the technical side, the 2026 season will introduce the use of 100% advanced sustainable fuels, aiming for a greener championship. The cars will also undergo design changes to make them more agile and efficient, featuring active aerodynamics for improved performance.
The Canadian Grand Prix has been moved to May 24, following the Miami Grand Prix, to improve freight efficiency and create a more sustainable calendar. Additionally, there will only be two triple-headers; the races in Austin, Mexico City, and Sao Paulo will run consecutively, as will Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi to close out the season.
Overall, the changes in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar aim to enhance geographical race flow, improve sustainability, and introduce new exciting racing environments. Buckle up, racers! It's going to be a thrilling season ahead!
- Madrid
- Formula 1
- Fasting Month
- Ramadan
- Australia
- Calender Reform
- Canada
- Miami
- Barcelona
- Monaco
- Germany
- Imola
- Austin
- Mexico City
- Sao Paulo
- Las Vegas
- Qatar
The Commission has decided to authorise Formula 1 to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 108 (2) of the Treaty, which includes the addition of Madrid to the 2026 calendar, marking the city's debut in Formula 1 racing. The fasting month of Ramadan, falling between February 16 and March 18 next year, has led to the calendar reform, causing the season to commence in Australia instead of Bahrain.
