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Formula 1 Unveils 2026 Calendar: 24-Race Season Kicks Off in Australia, Madrid Debuts
June 10, 2025 — Formula 1 and the FIA have officially confirmed the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar, setting the stage for an exhilarating 24-race season that will span five continents and introduce new technical regulations, 100% sustainable fuels, and a fresh circuit in Madrid. The season, revealed today, will commence in Melbourne, […]
Formula 1 Unveils 2026 Calendar: 24-Race Season Kicks Off in Australia, Madrid Debuts
June 10, 2025 — Formula 1 and the FIA have officially confirmed the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar, setting the stage for an exhilarating 24-race season that will span five continents and introduce new technical regulations, 100% sustainable fuels, and a fresh circuit in Madrid. The season, revealed today, will commence in Melbourne, Australia, and conclude in Abu Dhabi, marking another milestone in the sport’s global expansion and sustainability efforts.
Australia Retains Season Opener
The Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit will once again open the championship, scheduled for March 6-8, 2026. This continues a trend established in recent years, with the event proving a fan favorite, drawing a record-breaking 465,498 attendees in 2025. “The Formula 1 calendar announcement is always an exciting moment, and in the coming weeks, we will be sharing on-sale dates for tickets to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2026, which we know will be eagerly anticipated,” said Travis Auld, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
The early start in Melbourne accommodates a shift in the Middle Eastern races, with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia moving to April due to the Ramadan holiday occurring in February and March.
Madrid Joins as Second Spanish Race
A major highlight of the 2026 calendar is the debut of the Madrid Grand Prix, set for September 11-13 at a new street circuit around the IFEMA exhibition centre. This marks Madrid’s return to F1 after a 45-year absence, last hosting a race in 1981. The addition makes Spain the only country besides the United States to host two Grands Prix in 2026, with Barcelona retaining its slot on June 14 in the final year of its current contract. The Madrid circuit, still under construction, awaits FIA homologation to confirm its readiness.
Imola Drops Off, Sustainability in Focus
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, a staple since its return in 2020, will not feature in 2026, a casualty of the sport’s packed 24-race limit and pressure to expand globally. Zandvoort’s Dutch Grand Prix, a favorite for Max Verstappen fans, is also confirmed as a final outing on August 21-23, with no deal secured beyond 2026. Meanwhile, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium has locked in a six-year deal, hosting races in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031.
F1’s commitment to sustainability shapes the calendar’s flow, with a consolidated European leg running from Monaco (June 5-7) to Madrid (September 11-13). The Canadian Grand Prix moves to May 22-24, following Miami (May 1-3), to improve freight efficiency and support the sport’s Net Zero Carbon goal by 2030. However, this shift creates a direct clash with the Indianapolis 500, posing a challenge for motorsport fans.
A New Era Beckons
The 2026 season aligns with sweeping changes, including new aerodynamic and power unit regulations, and the use of 100% advanced sustainable fuels. New teams Cadillac and Audi will join the grid, expanding it to 22 cars. “2026 will be a new era for Formula 1 where we will witness a brand-new set of regulations for our sport, the cars, and the engines that will be powered by 100% sustainable fuel,” said F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali. “With 24 Grands Prix across five continents, the season truly reflects the global nature of our community, while the improved geographical flow of the calendar shows our joint commitment to making the championship more efficient and sustainable.”
Season Finale and Triple Headers
The championship will conclude with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 4-6, preceded by two triple headers: Austin (October 23-25), Mexico, and Brazil, followed by Las Vegas (November 19-21), Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Six sprint events are expected, with Zandvoort confirmed as one, and the remaining locations to be announced later.