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F1 Unveils 2026 Calendar: 24 Races, Madrid Debut, Imola Out

Major rule changes with new manufacturers signal a reset for the series.

Overview

  • The season opens in Melbourne on March 6–8, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds moved to April for Ramadan observance.
  • The schedule features six sprint weekends and includes a promoter-requested Saturday race in Azerbaijan on September 26, while Madrid joins on September 11–13 as Imola exits.
  • Preseason testing adopts a three-block format with a private Barcelona shakedown on January 26–30, followed by Bahrain tests on February 11–13 and 18–20.
  • Organizers frame 2026 as a new era introducing revised cars, updated power units and 100% sustainable fuels, alongside entries from Audi, Cadillac and Ford.
  • Mexico City remains on the 2026 slate with race day on November 1 and the hosting deal extended through 2028, while coverage conflicts on Abu Dhabi’s finale dates between November 4–6 and December 4–6.