F1 2026 Race Calendar Announced with Australian GP as Opener, Madrid Replaces Imola

F1 has revealed the 2026 season calendar, marking the start of a new era with completely redesigned cars and advanced power units. The season will open with the Australian Grand Prix, followed by the Chinese Grand Prix just one week later. Japan will host a standalone round, while Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been moved earlier to avoid a clash with Ramadan. The 2026 Formula 1 calendar features a major change with Madrid replacing Imola, keeping the season at 24 rounds. The Canadian Grand Prix shifts to late May for improved freight flow and will run as a solo event alongside Miami. The European leg will begin with the Monaco Grand Prix on 7 June and conclude at the new Madrid street circuit on 13 September.

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This updated F1 calendar includes only two triple-headers, both scheduled for the latter part of the season. The first triple-header includes races in Austin, Mexico City, and Brazil. The final triple-header features Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: '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.

'We are excited to welcome Madrid to the calendar, and to see huge automotive brands like Audi, Cadillac and Ford join the Formula 1 grid.

'It promises to be an unforgettable season, where once again we will come together at 24 amazing global venues to watch the best drivers in the world push themselves to the limit and produce incredible wheel to wheel racing for our millions of fans watching around the globe.

'I want to thank all our fans for their passionate support and the FIA, with all the volunteers, marshals and officials, as well as the promoters, partners, sponsors, host cities and the local motor racing federations for their commitment and support in delivering this schedule in what I know will be another historic year for Formula 1.'

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F1 2026 will feature six sprint races and hold three pre-season testing sessions. These official F1 tests will be split between Barcelona and Bahrain, allowing teams time to adapt to the 2026 regulations and prepare for the competitive season ahead.