Formula 1’s Blockbuster 24-Race Calendar Axes This Beloved Grand Prix Next Season

• The 2026 Formula 1 race calendar re-confirms the season will begin in Australia (March 6th to 8th) and conclude in Abu Dhabi (December 4th to 6th)… with a notable omission.
• Aside from the Madrid Grand Prix, which enters the fold pending final approval of its still-constructing circuit, 2026 also marks the modern arrival of three key constructors.
• Audi is officially set to take over the Stake Sauber outfit, while Ford replaces Honda at Red Bull Racing, and Cadillac F1 makes its full-scale debut.

Much like the cars, Formula 1’s race calendar just keeps getting bigger and bigger. But so too will the action, as the addition of tracks; a new engine partner and technically two new constructors; plus the raft of new regulations, promise to keep everybody on their toes.

Thanks to the holy celebration of Ramadan, in 2026, Australia will once again serve as the season opener come March, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix held in April. Between then, the travelling circus is scheduled for pit stops in Asia – specifically China and Japan.

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Side note: this effectively means Aussie fans won’t have to stay up/wake up during an ungodly hour to catch race day for the first three grands prix.

On the subject of “geographical flow,” the 2026 calendar boasts additional improvements, e.g. the Canadian Grand Prix now follows Miami in an earlier May slot, increasing the “freight efficiencies” as some equipment can move directly from one event to the other.

In turn, this has also created something of a consolidated European leg across the season’s summer months, kicking off in Monaco from June and closing the chapter in Spain around September; where Madrid will be welcomed to the calendar after inking a long-term deal.

“2026 will be a new era for Formula 1 where we will witness a brand-new set of regulations for our sport, the cars and the engines that will be powered by 100% sustainable fuel,” stated Stefano Domenicali, CEO & President of Formula 1.

“We are excited to welcome Madrid to the calendar, and to see huge automotive brands like Audi, Cadillac, and Ford join the Formula 1 grid.”

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He continued: “It promises to be an unforgettable season, where once again we will come together at 24 amazing global venues to watch the best drivers in the world push themselves to the limit and produce incredible wheel-to-wheel racing for our millions of fans watching around the globe.”

As for the all-important matter of what’s missing, Italy’s beloved Imola has been notably excluded from 2026; whereas both the traditional Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona and the Dutch Grand Prix will have their final running next year before facing a similar fate in 2027.

Check out the full 2026 Formula 1 race calendar below.