Formula 1 Unveils 2026 Calendar: Imola Dropped, Madrid Rises
The 2026 Formula 1 calendar has been officially announced by the sport’s commercial rights holder, FOM, and its governing body, the FIA. The season kicks off on March 8 in Melbourne, Australia, and will include an impressive 24 race weekends. Notably, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola will be absent, making way for the debut of a hybrid street circuit in Madrid.
Key Changes to the 2026 Calendar
Imola’s Exit and Madrid’s Introduction
For the upcoming season, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola has been unable to renew its contract, resulting in its removal from the calendar. Meanwhile, the Spanish Grand Prix will be rebranded as a race in Madrid, shifting to a hybrid street circuit, offering fans a fresh experience.
Season Structure
The season is set to commence on March 8 in Australia, creating a familiar backdrop as teams prepare for the challenges ahead. Following the opener, the calendar includes a trip to Shanghai for a double-header with Japan, distinguishing it from previous years by not having Japan as part of a larger grouping of races.
Clashes and Logistics
A significant alteration has been made with the Canadian Grand Prix now sharing its date with the prestigious Indianapolis 500, which could stir competitive intrigue for motorsport fans. Additionally, the Canadian event has been strategically moved ahead of Miami to streamline logistics.
Notable Race Weekend Highlights
Monaco Rescheduled
In a notable shift, the revered Monaco Grand Prix has been pushed to the first weekend of June, moving away from its traditional late May slot. This adjustment aims to align better with the newly scheduled Miami and Canadian races.
The Mid-Season Break
The calendar appears familiar post-Monaco, leading to a first half that culminates in the Hungarian Grand Prix at the end of July. Following the break, the action resumes with a Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, setting the stage for another captivating season of high-speed drama.
Final Stages of the Season
The latter part of the F1 season is packed with excitement, featuring a grueling six race weekends in just seven weeks. With sprint events expected to continue, teams will need to adapt swiftly to the demands of both a triple-header format and an array of new car specifications.
Full 2026 F1 Calendar Overview
- March 6-8: Australia (Melbourne)
- March 13-15: China (Shanghai)
- March 27-29: Japan (Suzuka)
- April 10-12: Bahrain (Sakhir)
- April 17-19: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)
- May 1-3: USA (Miami)
- May 22-24: Canada (Montreal)
- June 5-7: Monaco (Monaco)
- June 12-14: Spain (Barcelona)
- June 26-28: Austria (Spielberg)
- July 3-5: UK (Silverstone)
- July 17-19: Belgium (Spa)
- July 24-26: Hungary (Budapest)
- August 21-23: Netherlands (Zandvoort)
- September 4-6: Italy (Monza)
- September 11-13: Spain (Madrid)
- September 25-27: Azerbaijan (Baku)
- October 9-11: Singapore (Singapore)
- October 23-25: USA (Austin)
- October 30 – November 1: Mexico (Mexico City)
- November 6-8: Brazil (São Paulo)
- November 19-21: USA (Las Vegas)
- November 27-29: Qatar (Lusail)
- December 4-6: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)
As the 2026 season approaches, fans and teams alike will eagerly anticipate the new dynamics this calendar promises to deliver.