Formula 1 unveils 2026 calendar: Madrid joins the grid, Imola bows out
Formula 1 Confirms Exciting 2026 Season Schedule with Madrid Grand Prix Debut
Formula 1 has officially released its highly anticipated 2026 season schedule, which features a notable newcomer to the racing calendar—the Madrid Grand Prix—while the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola has been dropped. The 24-race schedule, spearheading a new era for the sport, was ratified by the FIA during a World Motor Sport Council meeting on Tuesday.
The addition of Madrid, which will host its inaugural race from September 11-13, is pending FIA homologation of the circuit. The Spanish capital’s inclusion brings an exciting shake-up to a Formula 1 calendar that has reached its self-imposed cap of 24 races, necessitating Imola’s departure after its final contracted race earlier this year in May.
Key Calendar Adjustments
Arguably the most eye-catching changes include a revamped summer lineup and subtle date swaps intended to optimize logistics and avoid traditional clashes. Among these adjustments, Monaco’s iconic race shifts to early June, avoiding a schedule conflict with the Indianapolis 500, while the Canadian Grand Prix moves to late May to streamline freight operations between North America and Miami.
The 2026 season kicks off on March 8 in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix and concludes on December 6 at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Spread over a 10-month span, the calendar comes as Formula 1 prepares to usher in a new regulatory era.
A Revolution in Technical Regulations
The 2026 season will not just mark the debut of the Madrid Grand Prix but also introduce revolutionary technical regulations. Central to these changes will be revamped hybrid engines, engineered to generate 50% of their power from sustainable fuel-complemented internal combustion engines and 50% from battery packs. These innovations align with Formula 1’s commitment to a greener future and sustainable racing.
Additionally, the sport’s competitive landscape will shift, with Cadillac entering as the 11th team, the Sauber team undergoing a transformation into Audi, and Ford re-entering as a key partner of Red Bull in engine manufacturing.
Formula 1 Momentum in the United States
The Formula 1 momentum in the United States continues to soar, with three American races confirmed for the 2026 schedule. The Miami Grand Prix will anchor the U.S. presence in early May, followed by the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 25, and the much-celebrated Las Vegas Grand Prix shortly after on November 21.
Full 2026 Schedule
Below is the comprehensive schedule for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship season:
- March 6-8: Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne
- March 13-15: Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai
- March 27-29: Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka
- April 10-12: Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir
- April 17-19: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Jeddah
- May 1-3: Miami Grand Prix, Miami Gardens
- May 22-24: Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal
- June 5-7: Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco
- June 12-14: Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona
- June 26-28: Austrian Grand Prix, Spielberg
- July 3-5: British Grand Prix, Silverstone
- July 17-19: Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps
- July 24-26: Hungarian Grand Prix, Budapest
- Aug. 21-23: Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort
- Sept. 4-6: Italian Grand Prix, Monza
- Sept. 11-13: Madrid Grand Prix, Madrid
- Sept. 25-27: Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Baku
- Oct. 9-11: Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore
- Oct. 23-25: U.S. Grand Prix, Austin
- Oct. 30-Nov. 1: Mexico Grand Prix, Mexico City
- Nov. 6-8: Brazilian Grand Prix, São Paulo
- Nov. 19-21: Las Vegas Grand Prix, Las Vegas
- Nov. 27-29: Qatar Grand Prix, Lusail
- Dec. 4-6: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina
Formula 1 fans around the world will surely be counting down the days to what promises to be a groundbreaking 2026 season. From the introduction of new teams and sustainable technologies to the thrilling addition of Madrid, the future of the sport looks brighter than ever.
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