Formula 1 Unveils 2026 Season Schedule: Madrid Grand Prix Set to Debut as Final European Race

The upcoming Formula 1 season will see the introduction of the Madrid Grand Prix, set to take place from September 11 to 13, 2026. This race will serve as the conclusion of an uninterrupted European leg of the season and will be the second event hosted in Spain, replacing the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Italy. Despite this change, the calendar will maintain a total of 24 races.

Madrid's addition is part of a broader effort to enhance logistical efficiency and minimize carbon emissions throughout the season. Notably, the Canadian Grand Prix, which typically occurs in early June, has been rescheduled to May 22-24. This weekend was originally allocated for the Monaco Grand Prix, which has now been moved to June 5-7. This adjustment allows the Canadian race to follow closely after the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 1-3, enabling more efficient transportation of equipment between the two events.

Following the Monaco race, all events through to the Madrid Grand Prix will take place in Europe, leading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 25-27, which will mark the beginning of the final intercontinental segment of the season. These adjustments align with Formula 1's commitment to sustainability, as new regulations mandate the use of engines powered by 100% sustainable fuels.

The season will kick off in Melbourne, Australia, from March 6 to 8, with the Bahrain Grand Prix, traditionally the opening race, taking place in April this year due to the timing of Ramadan. Notably, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races will be held a week apart, and there will be a two-week gap between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix in March, following the Australian event.

The British Grand Prix is scheduled for July 3-5, and the season will also witness the final edition of the Dutch Grand Prix, set for August 21-23 at Zandvoort. The traditional Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona will occur from June 12-14, completing its current contract.

The season finale will consist of two sets of three races on consecutive weekends, starting with the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin from October 23-25, followed by races in Mexico and Brazil. The season will conclude with the Las Vegas Grand Prix from November 19-21, followed by events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, wrapping up the year from December 4-6.