The 2026 Formula 1 season is taking shape, with a 24-race calendar already confirmed. As of , February 5, 2026, teams are preparing for pre-season testing in Bahrain, scheduled from February 11-13 and February 18-20. The season will officially kick off with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8.
Early Season Schedule & Key Dates
Following Australia, the F1 circuit moves to China for the Heineken Chinese Grand Prix from March 13-15. Japan will host the Aramco Japanese Grand Prix from March 27-29. Bahrain will then host its own Grand Prix, the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, from April 10-12, followed swiftly by the STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia from April 17-19.
The series then crosses the Atlantic for the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix from May 1-3, before heading north to Canada for the Lenovo Grand Prix du Canada from May 22-24. The iconic Monaco Grand Prix is slated for June 5-7, and the Spanish Grand Prix, currently held at Barcelona-Catalunya, will take place from June 12-14. However, a significant change is on the horizon for Spain, as the Barcelona circuit will be replaced by a new track in Madrid starting in 2026.
Mid-Season European Races
The Austrian Grand Prix is scheduled for June 26-28, followed by the Pirelli British Grand Prix from July 3-5. Belgium will host its Grand Prix from July 17-19, and Hungary will follow with the AWS Hungarian Grand Prix from July 24-26. The Dutch Grand Prix in the Netherlands is set for August 21-23, and the Italian Grand Prix will be held from September 4-6.
A second Spanish Grand Prix, the Tag Heuer Gran Premio de España, is scheduled for September 11-13. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will take place from September 24-26, before the series moves to Singapore for the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix from October 9-11.
Calendar Considerations and Future Changes
The current commercial agreement limits the F1 calendar to 24 rounds, but discussions are underway regarding potential increases. Team bosses have expressed concerns about workload, with many believing 24 races already represent a significant demand on personnel. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted at the possibility of rotating some European races biennially to manage the schedule.
Silverstone has secured its place on the calendar through 2034, hosting the British Grand Prix. Interestingly, this opens the possibility of a London Grand Prix being added as an additional event, building on previous show runs held in the British capital in 2004 and 2017.
Zandvoort’s Departure and Madrid’s Arrival
The 2026 season will see some changes to the established roster of races. Zandvoort in the Netherlands will depart the F1 calendar after the 2026 season. Simultaneously, Madrid will become the new home for the Spanish Grand Prix, replacing Barcelona-Catalunya. The Madrid circuit will feature a part-street layout, leveraging F1’s existing presence in Spain.
While no new circuits are expected to join the calendar in 2025, the long-term future of the F1 schedule remains dynamic. Rumors persist about potential races in locations like Qiddiya (Saudi Arabia) and a return to racing in Africa. The sport continues to explore opportunities to expand its global reach, while balancing the logistical challenges and the well-being of teams and personnel.
The 2026 season promises a blend of familiar favorites and exciting new developments, as Formula 1 continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide. Pre-season testing in Bahrain will provide the first glimpse of how teams have prepared for the challenges ahead, and the Australian Grand Prix will mark the official start of what is expected to be a thrilling championship battle.
