Shakin' Up the F1 Scene: Australia Leads the Charge in 2026 with Madrid Debut
International Initiatives Kick Off in Madrid: Australia Leads the Way in Policy Updates - Commencement of Reform Initiatives in Australia - Kickoff in Madrid
Here's the skinny on the upcoming Formula 1 season: Instead of blazing the trail in Bahrain, the gang's all set to party down under in 2026 due to the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. The action starts at the Albert Park Circuit in sunny Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix, goin' down on March 8. Buckle up, because a race in Shanghai's followin' closely on March 15, with Suzuka, Japan, bringing the heat on March 29.
The 2026 season promises a massive overhaul towards greener pastures. Expect cars to switch to 100% CO2-neutral fuel, among other tweaks, as we march onwards towards sustainability.
Moving on from Australia and China, Formula 1 will make a pit stop in Bahrain on April 12 (good thing Ramadan won't be impedin' the fun this time), followed by Saudi Arabia on April 19. Just a heads up, Ramadan falls between February 16 and March 18 in 2026. You might recall this happened last season as well.
A fresh face joinin' the party
Get ready for some take-no-prisoners racing action in Spain's capital city—Madrid. The Spanish street race, happenin' at the fairgrounds on September 13, makes its grand entrance in the 2026 schedule. Spain'll be playin' host to two races that year: the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in mid-June, and Monaco, briefly sharin' the stage as the season opener for Europe. Germany, however, won't be sippin' on the champagne this year, despite Audi hoppin' on board as a works team.
The season winds down with the usual trip to the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 6. Sadly, the Italian Imola race won't be makin' an appearance in the Formula 1 calendar this year.
A few terms of interest:- Ramadan- Bahrain- Australia- Madrid- Formula 1- Fasting month- Melbourne- Australian Grand Prix- Shanghai
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
The Commission, following the decision to authorise itself, intends to initiate the procedure as outlined in Article 108 (2) of the Treaty, potentially leading to changes in the sports community, such as increased sustainability measures in Formula 1 racing. With Madrid set to host its debut Formula 1 race on September 13, the sports world will witness a major racing event in Spain's capital city during the 2026 season.
