Shifting Gears: Formula 1 Kicks Off Down Under, Bids Farewell to Italy in 2026
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Welcome to the thrilling world of Formula 1 as we take you behind the scenes of the upcoming season!
The revved-up engines will roar to life a tad earlier in 2026, with the season opener happening in the land Down Under. The iconic Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for March 8, will ignite the starting line at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. Joining the Australian race on the calendar are the exhilarating races in Shanghai (March 15) and Suzuka, Japan (March 29).
Get ready for a groundbreaking change! The 2026 season promises to be an eco-friendly extravaganza, with cars running on 100% CO2-neutral fuel, marking a significant stride towards sustainable racing.
After a scorching kick-off in Australia, Formula 1 heads to Bahrain (April 12) and Saudi Arabia (April 19). It's important to note that these races happen just before Ramadan, which falls between February 16 and March 18 in 2026. Interestingly, the current season also commenced in Australia, thanks to the scheduling around Ramadan.
New kid on the block
The Formula 1 calendar will welcome a new track in the vibrant Spanish capital, Madrid. Race fans can look forward to a street circuit at the exhibition grounds, promising some nail-biting action on September 13. The Iberian peninsula will host two races in 2026 - besides Madrid, a mid-June outing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is also planned.
Mark your calendars for the Monaco Grand Prix, the European season opener, which is scheduled a week earlier. Despite Audi's entry as a works team in 2026, Germany is noticeably absent from the calendar.
Bringing down the curtain in the 2026 season will once again be the scintillating event at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 6. Regrettably, the Italian Grand Prix in Imola will not feature in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
- Australian Grand Prix
- China
- Japan
- Ramadan
- Bahrain
- Saudi Arabia
- Madrid
- Spain
- Barcelona
- Monaco
- Europe
- Abu Dhabi
- CO2-neutral fuel
The Commission, following the decision to authorise the Commission to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 108 (2) of the Treaty, may find opportunities to introduce more eco-friendly elements in sports such as racing, like the use of 100% CO2-neutral fuel in Formula 1 races. During the 2026 Formula 1 season, races will take place in various locations, including sports events like the Australian Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place in the land Down Under.
