FIA Confirms 2026 Formula 1 Race Start Times Across 24-Event Calendar
FIA has confirmed the race start times and full calendar for the 2026 Formula 1 season, a 24-race campaign that begins in Melbourne from March 6–8 and ends in Abu Dhabi on December 4–6.
The season will mark a new era for the sport, with next-generation cars powered entirely by sustainable fuels, the arrival of new manufacturers including Audi, Cadillac and Ford, and the debut of Madrid as a Grand Prix venue.
The geographical flow of the season has been improved, with Canada now following Miami to create a consolidated European leg during the summer. Six race weekends will feature Sprint events: China, Miami, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Singapore.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, described 2026 as «a new era» and promised an unforgettable season:
«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.»
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added:
«Next year’s championship marks a significant new chapter with a new race, new teams and the arrival of new manufacturers. The debut of Madrid and the use of 100% advanced sustainable fuels highlight the sport’s progress.»
The 2026 Formula 1 Season Schedule
| Date | Country | Venue | Sprint | Qualifying (local) | Race (local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 Mar | Australia | Melbourne | – | 16:00 | 15:00 |
| 13–15 Mar | China | Shanghai | 11:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
| 27–29 Mar | Japan | Suzuka | – | 15:00 | 14:00 |
| 10–12 Apr | Bahrain | Sakhir | – | 19:00 | 18:00 |
| 17–19 Apr | Saudi Arabia | Jeddah | – | 20:00 | 20:00 |
| 1–3 May | USA | Miami | 12:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
| 22–24 May | Canada | Montreal | 12:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
| 5–7 Jun | Monaco | Monte Carlo | – | 16:00 | 15:00 |
| 12–14 Jun | Spain | Barcelona-Catalunya | – | 16:00 | 15:00 |
| 26–28 Jun | Austria | Spielberg | – | 16:00 | 15:00 |
| 3–5 Jul | Great Britain | Silverstone | 12:00 | 16:00 | 15:00 |
| 17–19 Jul | Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps | – | 16:00 | 15:00 |
| 24–26 Jul | Hungary | Budapest | – | 16:00 | 15:00 |
| 21–23 Aug | Netherlands | Zandvoort | 12:00 | 16:00 | 15:00 |
| 4–6 Sep | Italy | Monza | – | 16:00 | 15:00 |
| 11–13 Sep | Spain | Madrid* | – | 16:00 | 15:00 |
| 24–26 Sep | Azerbaijan | Baku | – | 16:00 | 15:00 |
| 9–11 Oct | Singapore | Marina Bay | 17:00 | 21:00 | 20:00 |
| 23–25 Oct | USA | Austin | – | 16:00 | 15:00 |
| 30 Oct–1 Nov | Mexico | Mexico City | – | 15:00 | 14:00 |
| 6–8 Nov | Brazil | São Paulo | – | 15:00 | 14:00 |
| 19–21 Nov | USA | Las Vegas | – | 20:00 | 20:00 |
| 27–29 Nov | Qatar | Lusail | – | 21:00 | 19:00 |
| 4–6 Dec | Abu Dhabi | Yas Marina | – | 18:00 | 17:00 |
*Madrid debut subject to FIA circuit homologation
Pre-Season Testing
The 2026 campaign will also include three pre-season tests:
- 26–30 January: Private test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
- 11–13 February: Bahrain International Circuit
- 18–20 February: Bahrain International Circuit
Kursiv also reports that Max Verstappen powered to a dominant victory at Monza, securing his third win of the 2025 season and further strengthening his title challenge.
