The official Formula 1 calendar for the 2026 season has been released, featuring 24 Grands Prix and several notable changes. The season will begin in Australia in March, followed by races in China and Japan. Key updates include the Spanish Grand Prix moving to Madrid while Barcelona stays on the calendar, and the end of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
The 2026 Formula 1 season will consist of 24 Grands Prix, starting with the Australian Grand Prix in March. This opening triple-header will continue with events in China and Japan, setting an early pace for the championship.
Significant alterations to the schedule include the relocation of the Spanish Grand Prix from Barcelona to Madrid, though Barcelona will retain its own race. The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola has been removed from the calendar. Fans of the Dutch Grand Prix will have one final opportunity in August, as it will disappear thereafter.
Two races are scheduled for Saturdays: the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Las Vegas Grand Prix. These mid-weekend events aim to vary the traditional Sunday format.
Prior to the season opener, teams will conduct pre-season testing for their new 2026 cars over nine days across three sessions. The first will run from January 26 to 30 in Barcelona, with three days allocated per team. Subsequent tests are set for February 11 to 13 in Bahrain, followed by February 18 to 20 in Bahrain. These sessions will allow teams to adapt to the updated regulations and machinery.
The calendar's structure reflects ongoing efforts to balance global reach, sustainability, and fan accessibility, though specific start times will adjust to local time zones upon full release.
