2026 Formula 1 Race Schedule
The 24-race season starts in March in Melbourne and ends under the Yas Marina lights in December, with six Sprint weekends throughout the season. Here’s what you need to know about each race of the 2026 season.
Australian Grand Prix – March 6-8
The F1 season begins in Australia with the Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix at the iconic Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit (Albert Park). This semi-street track winds through parkland beside a lake with high-speed straights and tricky, bumpy sections, a slippery surface early in the weekend that quickly rubbers-in.
Chinese Grand Prix – March 13-15 (Sprint)
Next up, the Chinese Grand Prix brings a Sprint weekend to the massive Shanghai International Circuit. Known for its long back straight ideal for overtakes and the famously tight, technical hairpin, Shanghai tests tyre management and aerodynamic efficiency – factors that could be completely rewritten under the 2026 regulations.
Japanese Grand Prix – March 27-29
The Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka remains one of F1’s toughest driving challenges. The figure-eight layout, flowing Esses, daunting 130R, and the emotional weight of honoring Honda’s legacy make Suzuka a fan and driver favorite. Expect the new cars’ handling traits to shine – or expose weaknesses – here.
Bahrain Grand Prix – April 10-12
Bahrain follows as a twilight race under floodlights at the Sakhir circuit. Its abrasive surface and mix of low-speed corners and high-speed sectors traditionally reveal true car pace early in the year – doubly important in a regulation-change season.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – April 17-19
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah delivers one of the fastest street circuits ever built. Walls close in, speeds soar past 320 km/h, and the waterfront setting creates dramatic visuals. It’s unforgiving – mistakes are expensive.
Miami Grand Prix – May 1-3 (Sprint)
Miami hosts another Sprint weekend around the Miami International Autodrome. The stadium section, hard braking zones, and overtaking opportunities (especially at Turn 1 and the back straight) guarantee action under the Florida sun.
Canadian Grand Prix – May 22-24 (Sprint)
Canada brings yet another Sprint to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Notre Dame Island. Famous for its Wall of Champions, hairpins, and changeable weather, Montreal combines old-school charm with modern unpredictability.
Monaco Grand Prix – June 5-7
The jewel in the crown, the Monaco Grand Prix needs no introduction. Narrow streets, zero margin for error, and qualifying that feels like a time attack – Monaco rewards precision and bravery like nowhere else.
Spanish Grand Prix – June 12-14
Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya remains the traditional test track. Its balanced layout exposes aerodynamic and mechanical balance issues – crucial data in a year of radical car changes.
Austrian Grand Prix – June 26-28
Austria at the Red Bull Ring offers short lap times, elevation changes, and excellent overtaking spots. The passionate orange army in the grandstands always creates electric energy.
British Grand Prix – July 3-5 (Sprint)
Silverstone hosts a Sprint weekend at the home of British motorsport. High-speed corners like Maggotts-Becketts-Chapel and Copse test bravery and downforce – a true drivers’ circuit.
Hungarian Grand Prix – July 24-26
Hungaroring is often called “Monaco without walls.” Twisty, hot, and hard to overtake on, it frequently produces strategic masterclasses and surprise results.
Belgian Grand Prix – July 31-Aug 2
Spa-Francorchamps delivers Eau Rouge/Raidillon drama, weather roulette, and one of F1’s longest laps. It’s pure theatre.
Dutch Grand Prix – Aug 21-23 (Sprint)
Zandvoort brings another Sprint weekend. Banked corners, dunes, and orange-clad Dutch fans create an incredible atmosphere – plus real racing challenges.
Italian Grand Prix – Sep 4-6
Monza, the Temple of Speed, follows with its slipstreaming battles and passionate tifosi. High downforce? Low drag? The new cars will rewrite the strategy books here.
Madrid Grand Prix – Sep 11-13 (Debut!)
Then comes the highlight of the year: the debut Madrid Grand Prix on the Madring – a semi-street, semi-permanent hybrid track around IFEMA. Featuring elevation changes, a dramatically banked “La Monumental” turn (24% banking), and a blend of tight urban sections with high-speed sweeps, Madrid aims to combine Monaco’s intensity with better overtaking. As the new home of the Spanish GP (alternating with Barcelona), it’s the biggest calendar addition in years – and one fans have waited decades for.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Sep 24-26
Azerbaijan in Baku offers the longest straight on the calendar and its famous castle backdrop – walls punish errors in this street fight.
Singapore Grand Prix – Oct 9-11 (Sprint)
Singapore is another Sprint weekend under lights. Bumpy Marina Bay streets, heat, humidity, and 23 corners make it physically brutal – a real test of driver fitness.
United States Grand Prix – Oct 23-25
The United States at Circuit of The Americas delivers flowing esses, a tough uphill section, and massive crowds. Overtaking is plentiful.
Mexican Grand Prix – Oct 30-Nov 1
Mexico at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez features the stadium section roar and high altitude affecting engines – a unique challenge.
São Paulo Grand Prix – Nov 6-8
São Paulo at Interlagos brings passionate crowds, elevation, and often rain. Senna’s spirit lives on here.
Las Vegas Grand Prix – Nov 19-21
Las Vegas lights up the Strip with its spectacular night race – long straights and showbiz glamour.
Qatar Grand Prix – Nov 27-29
Qatar under floodlights at Lusail tests tyre wear and cooling in the desert night.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Dec 4-6
Finally, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina closes the season. Its twilight-to-night transition, marina views, and championship-deciding potential make it the perfect finale.