Formula 1 has confirmed a blockbuster 24-race calendar for 2026, announced in June 2025, and it is packed with new storylines. The season begins March 6–8 in Australia and ends December 4–6 in Abu Dhabi. Madrid joins the roster as Spain’s new Grand Prix while Barcelona keeps its long-held date, making Spain a two-stop tour. Add in a bigger grid, six Sprint weekends, and three preseason tests around major rule changes, and 2026 looks bold, busy, and balanced.

2026 F1 calendar at a glance: bigger, cleaner, faster

The headline is simple: 24 Grands Prix, a tidier travel flow, and better rhythm. Canada now follows Miami, the European summer leg is tighter, and the Americas run later in the year is grouped to cut back-and-forth travel. Monaco moves slightly later than usual, and the sport keeps a summer break after Hungary. The FIA has also confirmed start times to give fans clarity well in advance.

It’s not just the number that stands out — it’s the shape. The calendar feels more natural, with regional swings that should help teams, fans, and the sport’s carbon goals.

“Two Spanish races and a smarter flow — this is the calendar F1 needed.”

Madrid joins, Barcelona stays: Spain gets double the show

The new Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid lands on September 11–13 on the part-street Madring layout, a fresh urban challenge with a modern event feel. Crucially, Barcelona isn’t going anywhere. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosts Round 9 on June 12–14.

This is a smart blend of tradition and new energy: the classic testing ground in Catalunya plus a city-forward race in Madrid. Expect very different track demands and a split fan base that still gets two chances to see the show.

Six Sprint weekends return, targeted for action

As in 2025, there are six Sprint weekends on the 2026 slate — and they’re placed where quick hits usually deliver. Formula 1 stated: “As in 2025, six of the 24 venues on the calendar will host F1 Sprint events. For the 2026 season they are China, Miami, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Singapore.”

• China (March 13–15)
• Miami (May 1–3)
• Canada (May 22–24)
• Great Britain (July 3–5)
• Netherlands (August 21–23)
• Singapore (October 9–11)

These picks mix high-speed tracks, street circuits, and fan magnets — a tidy balance for Saturday drama.

“Sprint in Singapore? Yes please — high risk, high reward under the lights.”

Three preseason tests set: Barcelona private, Bahrain official

The run-up to Round 1 is fuller than usual. Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed three tests before lights out. The first is a private four-day session at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26–30, behind closed doors and with no public timing.

Then come two official tests in Bahrain: February 11–13 and February 18–20, for six days in total. As F1 put it: “In 2026, we’ll have six days of official preseason testing in Bahrain, with a four-day private test in Barcelona in January behind closed doors.” And: “Formula 1 and the FIA have announced the dates for 2026 pre-season testing, with three tests set to take place prior to the campaign getting underway.”

That’s precious track time as teams grapple with big 2026 rule changes and 100% advanced sustainable fuels. Expect a steep learning curve and plenty of intrigue even before Melbourne.

Eleven teams, 22 drivers: a wider grid

The 2026 season expands to 11 teams. Cadillac joins the grid, while Audi completes its takeover of Sauber. That means 22 seats, new team dynamics, and more strategy in traffic. A larger field also boosts the midfield fight — often where the best wheel-to-wheel racing lives.

“More cars, new rules, new city race — 2026 feels like a reset button.”

New rules, new fuel, new order?

While the calendar is the headline, the backdrop is just as big. The 2026 technical regulations arrive with a mandate for 100% advanced sustainable fuels. New cars, new power goals, new packaging — this is where the pecking order can shift. Even top teams will be cautious early as they balance pace, reliability, and energy management.

For fans, that means uncertainty — the good kind. Different winners, surprise weekends, and strategy swings are all on the table.

Full 2026 Formula 1 race calendar

• Round 1: Australia, Melbourne (Mar 6–8)
• Round 2: China, Shanghai (Mar 13–15, Sprint)
• Round 3: Japan, Suzuka (Mar 27–29)
• Round 4: Bahrain, Sakhir (Apr 10–12)
• Round 5: Saudi Arabia, Jeddah (Apr 17–19)
• Round 6: USA, Miami (May 1–3, Sprint)
• Round 7: Canada, Montreal (May 22–24, Sprint)
• Round 8: Monaco (Jun 5–7)
• Round 9: Spain, Barcelona-Catalunya (Jun 12–14)
• Round 10: Austria, Spielberg (Jun 26–28)
• Round 11: Great Britain, Silverstone (Jul 3–5, Sprint)
• Round 12: Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps (Jul 17–19)
• Round 13: Hungary, Budapest (Jul 24–26)
• Round 14: Netherlands, Zandvoort (Aug 21–23, Sprint)
• Round 15: Italy, Monza (Sep 4–6)
• Round 16: Spain, Madrid (Sep 11–13)
• Round 17: Azerbaijan, Baku (Sep 24–26)
• Round 18: Singapore (Oct 9–11, Sprint)
• Round 19: USA, Austin (Oct 23–25)
• Round 20: Mexico, Mexico City (Oct 30–Nov 1)
• Round 21: Brazil, Sao Paulo (Nov 6–8)
• Round 22: USA, Las Vegas (Nov 19–21)
• Round 23: Qatar, Lusail (Nov 27–29)
• Round 24: Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina (Dec 4–6)

Why the new flow matters

Grouping races by region helps teams and fans alike. Canada after Miami is common sense. A united European summer keeps momentum high. The late-year Americas stretch lines up well, too. Less travel stress can mean better prep, fewer logistical headaches, and more energy left for the show on track.

What to watch next

Preseason will be must-follow. Barcelona’s closed-door shakedown will shape early upgrades, and Bahrain’s six official testing days will finally stack the field. With two Spanish rounds, six Sprints, and a larger grid, 2026 has multiple plot lines before we even hit the first corner in Melbourne.

Bottom line: a sharper calendar, bigger grid, and brave ruleset should make 2026 feel fresh. Now it’s over to the teams. Who adapts fastest?