Introduction

The Formula 1 2026 schedule is officially set, featuring 24 Grands Prix across five continents and launching a brand-new era for the sport. The season begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, 2026, and concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6, 2026.

Beyond the packed calendar, the 2026 F1 season introduces the most significant technical regulation overhaul since the hybrid era began in 2014. A new street circuit in Madrid — officially named “Madring” — joins the championship, three new power unit manufacturers enter the grid (Audi, Ford, and Cadillac), and Formula 1 transitions to 100% sustainable fuels.

Cadillac F1 also becomes the sport’s 11th team, marking the first new constructor since Haas debuted in 2016 and signaling major growth in the North American market.

With sweeping car design changes, revised power unit architecture, and an expanded global footprint, the Formula 1 2026 schedule sets the stage for one of the most transformative seasons in modern F1 history.

Full Formula 1 2026 Race Calendar (US Eastern Time)

Key Highlights of the 2026 F1 Calendar

New Madrid Circuit: "Madring" Makes Its Debut

For the first time since 1981, Formula 1 returns to Madrid with the Circuito IFEMA Madrid, officially named "Madring." Scheduled for September 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET, this cutting-edge 5.474km hybrid circuit features:

• 22 corners (updated from initial 20-turn design)
• La Monumental: A spectacular 24% banked turn stretching 550 meters—one of F1's steepest banking sections
• Two tunnels providing unique racing challenges
• 340 km/h (211 mph) top speed on the main straight
• 110,000+ fan capacity with future expansion plans
• 90% public transport accessibility (Metro, train, walking distance from hotels)

Located at the IFEMA exhibition center near Real Madrid's training ground, Madring combines permanent racing infrastructure with temporary street sections—similar to Miami's layout. The circuit features dramatic elevation changes, climbing to 697 meters (2,287 feet) at Turn 7 before descending through the technical "Bunker" section.

Carlos Sainz, Madrid native and Ferrari driver, serves as the circuit's official ambassador and called it "the best circuit in the world."

🇺🇸 Triple-Header: Three Races in the United States

The United States solidifies its position as F1's fastest-growing market with three events in prime-time slots for American fans:

1. Miami Grand Prix – May 3 at 4:00 PM ET (Sprint weekend)
2. United States Grand Prix (COTA) – October 25 at 4:00 PM ET
3. Las Vegas Grand Prix – November 22 at 11:00 PM ET (Saturday night spectacle)

This marks the continuation of F1's American expansion, targeting the lucrative North American market with races spanning from coast to coast in fan-friendly time slots.

🏎️ Six Sprint Weekends

The 2026 season features Sprint races at six venues:

1. 🇨🇳 China (Shanghai) - March 15
2. 🇺🇸 Miami - May 3
3. 🇨🇦 Canada (Montreal) - May 24
4. 🇬🇧 Great Britain (Silverstone) - July 5
5. 🇳🇱 Netherlands (Zandvoort) - August 23 *Final Dutch GP before leaving calendar*
6. 🇸🇬 Singapore - October 11

Sprint weekends feature a shorter Saturday race determining Sunday's grid positions, offering more on-track action throughout the weekend.

Revolutionary 2026 Technical Regulations

2026 introduces the most significant rule changes since the hybrid era began in 2014:

Power Units:

• 50/50 power split: 50% from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), 50% from Electric (ERS)
• 100% advanced sustainable fuels (carbon-neutral)
• New manufacturers: Audi, Ford (partnering with Red Bull), Cadillac (initially using Ferrari PU)
• Increased electrical power from 120 kW to 350 kW (470 bhp)

Aerodynamics:

• Active aerodynamics on front and rear wings
• DRS eliminated - replaced by "Manual Override Mode" for overtaking
• Lighter cars: 30kg (66 lbs) weight reduction
• Smaller dimensions: Wheelbase reduced from 360cm to 340cm, width from 200cm to 190cm

Tires:

• Front tires: 2.5cm (1 inch) narrower
• Rear tires: 3.0cm (1.2 inches) narrower

These changes aim to create closer racing, more overtaking opportunities, and sustainability without sacrificing the spectacle.

Cadillac F1: New Team on the Grid

Cadillac Racing becomes Formula 1's 11th team—the first new constructor since Haas in 2016. Key details:

• Initially powered by Ferrari engines (2026-2028)
• Transition to GM/General Motors in-house power unit by 2029
• First American constructor in decades
• Represents massive automotive investment in F1

Calendar Changes: What's Out

Imola REMOVED:

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola is not on the 2026 calendar, with its contract ending in 2025.

Barcelona STAYS (for now):

Despite Madrid's arrival, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya retains a race in 2026 (June 14 at 9:00 AM ET), though its long-term future beyond 2026 remains uncertain.

Final Dutch GP:

Zandvoort hosts its last Formula 1 race on August 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET, making it a historic farewell with a Sprint weekend.

Pre-Season Testing Schedule

Before the racing begins, teams have 9 days of testing across three sessions:

Test 1: Private Testing

• Dates: January 26-30, 2026
• Location: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain
• Type: Behind closed doors (no public timing data)

Test 2: Official Pre-Season Testing

• Dates: February 11-13, 2026
• Location: Bahrain International Circuit
• Type: Public, televised

Test 3: Official Pre-Season Testing

• Dates: February 18-20, 2026
• Location: Bahrain International Circuit
• Type: Public, televised

Testing provides the first glimpse of the revolutionary 2026 cars and establishes early championship favorites.

When Does the 2026 F1 Season Start and End?

• First race: Australian Grand Prix — March 6-8, 2026 (Race: 4:00 AM ET Saturday)
• Final race: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — December 4-6, 2026 (Race: 8:00 AM ET Sunday)
• Total races: 24 across 5 continents
• Season length: 9 months (March to December)

Best Race Times for US Fans

If you're watching from the United States, here are the most convenient race times:

Prime Time Races (Afternoon/Evening ET):

• 🇺🇸 Miami GP: 4:00 PM ET (May 3)
• 🇨🇦 Canadian GP: 4:00 PM ET (May 24)
• 🇺🇸 US GP (Austin): 4:00 PM ET (October 25)
• 🇲🇽 Mexico City GP: 3:00 PM ET (November 1)
• 🇧🇷 Brazilian GP: 12:00 PM ET (November 8)
• 🇺🇸 Las Vegas GP: 11:00 PM ET Saturday (November 22)

Morning Races (9-11 AM ET):

• European races: Monaco, Barcelona, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Netherlands, Italy, Spain (Madrid), Great Britain
• Middle East: Bahrain (11:00 AM), Saudi Arabia (1:00 PM), Qatar (11:00 AM)

Early Morning Races (1-8 AM ET):

• Asia-Pacific: Australia (4:00 AM), China (2:00 AM), Japan (1:00 AM)
• Singapore (8:00 AM), Azerbaijan (7:00 AM Saturday), Abu Dhabi (8:00 AM)

Geographical Flow and Sustainability Improvements

The 2026 calendar prioritizes logistical efficiency and sustainability:

• Canadian GP moved earlier (May) to follow Miami, allowing direct freight movement
• European races grouped (May-September) reducing travel
• Triple-headers optimized (Austin → Mexico City → São Paulo / Las Vegas → Qatar → Abu Dhabi)
• Estimated 90% of Madrid fans can use public transport

These changes align with F1's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon by 2030.

FAQs About the 2026 F1 Schedule

How many races are in the 2026 F1 season?

The 2026 Formula 1 calendar includes 24 Grands Prix, maintaining the record-tying number from 2024 and 2025.

What time is the US Grand Prix in 2026?

The United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas takes place on October 25, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET—a prime afternoon time slot for American fans.

Is there a new track in 2026?

Yes. Madrid joins the calendar with the new Circuito IFEMA Madrid (Madring) on September 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET. It's the first new European venue in years.

What happened to Barcelona?

Barcelona retains a race on June 14, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET, but its long-term future beyond 2026 is uncertain with Madrid's 10-year contract.

What happened to Imola?

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola is not on the 2026 calendar after its contract expired in 2025.

How many Sprint races are there in 2026?

There are 6 Sprint weekends in 2026: China, Miami, Canada, Great Britain, Netherlands (final Dutch GP), and Singapore.

What are the new 2026 F1 regulations?

2026 introduces revolutionary changes including 50/50 hybrid power, 100% sustainable fuels, active aerodynamics, no DRS (replaced by Manual Override Mode), lighter/smaller cars, and new manufacturers (Audi, Ford, Cadillac).

Which races are on Saturday in 2026?

Azerbaijan (Baku) races on Saturday September 27 at 7:00 AM ET and Las Vegas races on Saturday November 22 at 11:00 PM ET.

Is this Zandvoort's last F1 race?

Yes. The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix on August 23 at 9:00 AM ET is Zandvoort's final race, featuring a Sprint weekend as a special farewell.

What time do F1 races start for US viewers?

Race times for US fans (ET) vary: European races typically at 9-10 AM, Americas races at 12 PM-4 PM, Middle East at 11 AM-1 PM, and Asia-Pacific at 1-4 AM. The three US races (Miami, Austin, Las Vegas) are in prime time slots.

Conclusion

The 2026 Formula 1 season represents a transformative moment in the sport's history. With Madrid's spectacular new circuit, revolutionary technical regulations, sustainable fuels, new manufacturers, and an 11th team, F1 enters a bold new era while maintaining the core elements that make it the pinnacle of motorsport.

For American fans, the 2026 season offers three prime-time home races plus improved scheduling that reduces early morning wake-up calls for European grands prix. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to F1, 2026 promises unprecedented racing action across 24 incredible venues worldwide.

Mark your calendar—history will be made. Stay updated with the latest F1 news, race results, and championship standings at Pitzone.