Formula 1 Reveals 2026 Calendar: Australia Kicks Off Season, Madrid Added

Formula 1 has officially announced its 2026 calendar, which includes 24 races. The season will once again commence in Australia.

As previously confirmed, Madrid is the sole new addition to the schedule, set to host the Spanish Grand Prix. Barcelona`s circuit will still feature in 2026, completing the final year of its existing contract with F1.

The Imola circuit, which hosted the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix since its return in 2020, is absent from the 2026 lineup, as anticipated.

Similar to the 2025 season, the timing of Ramadan prevents Bahrain from hosting the initial race. Consequently, Albert Park in Melbourne will host the opening round, marking the second of five such occasions under its contract valid until 2037.

The Australian Grand Prix is scheduled for March 8th, a week earlier than this year. China will host the second race seven days later. Japan follows as a standalone event before Bahrain and Saudi Arabia form a double-header in mid-April.

The Canadian Grand Prix has been moved forward by several weeks to May, following the Miami Grand Prix. This shift is part of efforts to create a more geographically efficient and sustainable calendar.

Conversely, the Monaco Grand Prix is shifted later to early June, initiating an uninterrupted sequence of European races during the summer.

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone maintains its familiar early July slot, scheduled for July 5th.

The newly introduced race in Madrid will conclude the European part of the season in September.

The 2026 calendar features only two triple-headers, both occurring towards the end of the season.

The races in Austin, Mexico City, and Sao Paulo will again run on three consecutive weekends. Similarly, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi will form a triple-header to wrap up the final three weeks of the season.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Madrid to the calendar and to see major automotive brands like Audi, Cadillac, and Ford joining the Formula 1 grid. It promises to be a memorable season, bringing us together again at 24 fantastic global locations to witness the world`s best drivers compete intensely for our millions of fans worldwide.”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “My gratitude goes to everyone involved in organizing this incredible season and delivering a calendar that continues to advance the sport on all fronts. And, my thanks to the fans whose enthusiasm and steadfast backing keep the spirit of our sport thriving.”

2026 Formula 1 Race Calendar