2026 Formula 1 Calendar Revealed: All Race Dates and Major Changes Explained

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 have officially released the race calendar for the 2026 season, confirming a 24-round schedule that largely mirrors the current season, despite the introduction of major technical regulation changes from next year.

One of the most notable updates for 2026 is the inclusion of a second Grand Prix in Spain, with a new race scheduled on a temporary street circuit in Madrid. Branded internally as the “Madring,” the event is set to take place in September. Meanwhile, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya—home to the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991—will continue to host its race in the traditional early summer slot, although no formal title has been assigned to this event. This marks the final year of Barcelona’s current contract with Formula 1, and its future on the calendar remains uncertain.

The calendar also marks the final scheduled Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, as organisers have not renewed their agreement with F1 beyond 2026. The event, which returned to the sport’s calendar in 2021 amid strong local support and popularity driven by Dutch driver Max Verstappen, will be dropped from the 2027 season onwards unless a new deal is reached.

Another adjustment involves the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The race has been moved to an earlier slot in the season to align more efficiently with the Miami Grand Prix. This scheduling change is aimed at optimising the logistics and reducing travel distances for teams and freight, as both events will now occur within a three-week window.

Aside from these key changes, the overall structure of the calendar remains consistent. The 2026 season will begin in March with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne and conclude in December with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasised the global scale and evolving nature of the championship: “With 24 grands prix across five continents, the season truly reflects the global nature of our community. The improved geographical flow of the calendar shows our joint commitment to making the championship more efficient and sustainable.”

The 2026 season is also poised to usher in a new era for Formula 1 with the introduction of revised power unit regulations. These include hybrid engines running on 100% advanced sustainable fuels, aimed at reducing the sport’s environmental footprint. The upcoming season will also witness the competitive debut of new automotive brands in F1, including Audi, Cadillac, and Ford, signalling renewed manufacturer interest driven by the regulatory overhaul.