The Formula 1 starts in 2026 one of the most anticipated seasons in recent years, marked by radical changes in the technical regulations, an expanded grid and a calendar of 24 Grand Prix that will tour the world between March and December.
The campaign will begin with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit from March 6-8, while the championship will conclude with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit from December 4-6.
A season with big changes in Formula 1
He Formula 1 World Cup 2026 presents one of the most important technical transformations in years. The new cars will be shorter and narrower, in addition to incorporating changes in aerodynamics and in the system that facilitates overtaking.
The grid is also growing: 22 drivers and 11 teams will compete this season, something that has not happened since 2016.
As is often the case when new regulations are introduced, teams will have a lot of room for evolution throughout the championship, which could lead to significant changes in performance during the 24 races of the calendar.
Favorites for the start of the season
The pre-season tests in Bahrain, held from February 18 to 20 at the Sakhir circuit, allowed the teams to collect data and better understand their new cars.
Although the teams did not show their full potential, in the paddock it is expected that Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren will be the main protagonists in the fight for victory at the start of the championship.
The McLaren team arrives as the current world champion of constructors and drivers, so it will try to defend its dominance against its main rivals.
Madrid returns to Formula 1
One of the big news on the calendar will be the return of Formula 1 to Madrid, which will once again host a Grand Prix for the first time since 1981.
The new urban circuit known as “Madring” will debut in September and will replace the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on the calendar.
The season will begin with a tour of Asia and Oceania before arriving in Europe, where historic races such as Monaco, Barcelona, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and Monza will be held.
Complete Formula 1 calendar 2026
No. Date Grand Prix Circuit
1 March 6-8 Australia Albert Park
2 March 13-15 China* Shanghai
3 March 27-29 Japan Suzuka
4 April 10-12 Bahrain Sakhir
5 April 17-19 Saudi Arabia Jeddah
6 May 1-3 Miami* Miami
7 May 22-24 Canada* Gilles Villeneuve
8 June 5-7 Monaco Monte Carlo
9 June 12-14 Spain Barcelona-Catalunya
10 June 26-28 Austria Red Bull Ring
11 July 3-5 Great Britain* Silverstone
12 July 17-19 Belgium Spa-Francorchamps
13 July 24-26 Hungary Hungaroring
14 August 21-23 Netherlands* Zandvoort
15 September 4-6 Italy Monza
16 11-13 Sept. Spain Madrid (New)
17 Sept. 24-26 Azerbaijan Baku
18 October 9-11 Singapore* Marina Bay
19 October 23-25 USA Austin
20 Oct 30 – Nov 1 Mexico Hermanos Rodríguez
21 Nov 6-8 Brazil Interlagos
22 Nov 19-21 Las Vegas Las Vegas
23 Nov 27-29 Qatar Losail
24 December 4-6 Abu Dhabi Yas Marina
*Sprint format races.
In total there will be six weekends with sprint races, which will be held in China, Miami, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Singapore.
A season that promises to be historic
With 24 races, new cars, more teams and the return of Madrid to the calendar, the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship promises to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable championships in recent years.
The title battle will begin in Melbourne and will be decided nine months later under the lights of Abu Dhabi.
