F1 Unveils Thrilling 2026 Calendar with Madrid Replacing Imola

Formula 1 has released its 2026 race calendar, highlighting several major changes compared to previous seasons. The schedule features 24 race weekends, tying the record for the most races in a single season.

Madrid joins the calendar in September, replacing Imola after the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix’s contract was not renewed. The season will launch on March 8 in Melbourne, Australia, maintaining the tradition of opening the year at the Albert Park Circuit.

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This calendar continues F1’s approach to grouping races by region to make travel and logistics more manageable. The Canadian Grand Prix moves to May 24, placing it just three weeks after the Miami round to help teams efficiently move between North American events.

However, Montreal now shares its date with the famous Indianapolis 500, one of the world’s most prestigious car races. For years, organizers avoided this overlap, but the new schedule makes it a reality.

After starting in Australia, the next double-header takes teams to China for the Shanghai Grand Prix, followed by Japan as a solo event at Suzuka later that month. Unlike previous seasons, Japan will not be paired with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Instead, the double-header for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will follow Japan. In June, Monaco’s race is set for the first weekend, returning to a more traditional slot after recent experiments with its placement.

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Barcelona will host its last race under the Spanish Grand Prix name on June 14, before Madrid assumes that title in September. Two intense triple-headers remain part of the F1 schedule, including a challenging run through Austin, Mexico City, and São Paulo.

The season wraps up with six races in the final seven weeks, including rounds in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Las Vegas’s event retains its unique Saturday night start on November 21, maintaining a slot that brought new excitement to the circuit last year.

Other key venues keep their places on the 2026 itinerary. Tracks like Silverstone in the United Kingdom, Spa in Belgium, and Monza in Italy are all included.

The Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest marks the end of the early summer section. Zandvoort in the Netherlands will host its final race as part of the F1 calendar after this season.

Teams and drivers are preparing for major technical updates, testing new cars and power units at three planned pre-season sessions in Barcelona and Bahrain. The new Madrid Grand Prix is scheduled for September at a hybrid street circuit, marking the first time since 2020 that Spain’s capital will welcome F1.

As the calendar shifts, Madrid takes the iconic Spanish Grand Prix name from Barcelona, which loses the title after this year’s race. The 2026 season will also include six sprint events, offering more chances for drivers to gather points and fans to enjoy additional action.

With 24 rounds on five continents and several important changes, Formula 1’s 2026 campaign promises a busy and dynamic year. Each adjustment reflects the series’ focus on sustainability and efficient logistics while delivering familiar excitement at favorite venues and new thrills at fresh locations.

The long season ends on December 6 in Abu Dhabi, capping off a year set to test both teams and drivers to the limit.