The 2026 calendar of the Formula 1, officially announced on June 10, 2025, includes a season of 24 Grands Prix that will cross five continents and introduce new venues, logistical variations and an optimized race order to maximize operational efficiency and promote expansion into strategic markets. The big news is the exclusion of the Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari in Imola, replaced by the Madrid Grand Prix on the new IFEMA-Madring urban circuit. Other major changes include moving the Canadian Grand Prix to an earlier weekend than Miami to optimize logistics, consecutive triple-headers in the final phase of the season, and Ramadan-related adjustments.

The new F1 2026 calendar
The announcement, jointly by Formula 1 and the FIA, was accompanied by statements from Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who stressed the innovative, sustainable and global nature of the championship.
The full schedule is as follows:
- March 6-8: Australia, Melbourne
- March 13-15: China, Shanghai
- March 27-29: Japan, Suzuka
- April 10-12: Bahrain, Sakhir
- April 17-19: Saudi Arabia, Jeddah
- May 1-3: USA, Miami
- May 22-24: Canada, Montreal
- June 5-7: Munich , Monaco
- June 12-14: Spain, Barcelona-Catalunya
- June 26-28: Austria, Spielberg
- July 3-5: United Kingdom, Silverstone
- July 17-19: Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps
- July 24-26: Hungary, Budapest
- Aug. 21-23: Netherlands, Zandvoort
- September 4-6: Italy, Monza
- September 11-13: Spain, Madrid
- Sept. 25-27: Azerbaijan, Baku
- October 9-11: Singapore , Singapore
- Oct. 23-25: USA, Austin
- October 30-November 1: Mexico , Mexico City
- November 6-8: Brazil, São Paulo
- Nov. 19-21: USA, Las Vegas
- Nov. 27-29: Qatar, Lusail
- Dec. 4-6: United Arab Emirates, Yas Marina (Abu Dhabi)
The most significant changes
New locations: the debut of Madrid
The Spanish Grand Prix moves from Barcelona to Madrid, which will join the calendar from September 11-13, 2026 on the new IFEMA-Madring urban circuit. The track, which is 5.4 km long with 22 corners, runs between the IFEMA exhibition center and the Valdebebas district, offering a hybrid layout that combines urban roads and permanent sections.
Removed locations and contract renewals
The Emilia-Romagna GP at Imola has been excluded from the 2026 calendar because the track has not renewed its contract with FOM and FIA. The Imola circuit issued an official statement, hoping for a possible return in the future, but acknowledging the impossibility of reaching an agreement for 2026.
Logistics reorganization: Canada and triple-header
The Canadian Grand Prix has been moved up to the weekend of May 22-24, immediately following Miami, to allow for a direct transfer of equipment and reduce transportation costs ([formula1.com][1], [motorsport.com][2]). This change also causes an exceptional overlap with the Indianapolis 500 on May 24. The final part of the season includes two consecutive triple-headers – Austin, Mexico, Brazil and then Las Vegas, Qatar, Abu Dhabi – to create a media crescendo before the close of the racing year.
Motivations behind the changes
The inclusion of the Ramadan period , scheduled between February and March 2026, forced the shifting of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to April, in deference to the needs of teams and fans in Muslim countries. The consolidation of the European block from June to the end of July aims to improve sustainability and efficiency in transportation by reducing air travel and favoring road transfers between Monaco, Barcelona, Spielberg, Silverstone, and Spa.
The Madrid entry responds to Formula 1’s goal of strengthening its presence in Spain, a key market for international sponsors and automakers, by securing a new urban stage in a European capital.
The triple-header decision in the United States and Middle East is designed to maximize media and commercial impact by offering hospitality packages and multi-event sponsorships in markets with high economic potential.
Future scenario of the F1 world calendar
In the coming years, the season could further expand to 26-28 races, including new emerging markets such as Africa orLatin America, in the wake of interest expressed by local organizers and investors.
Motorsport.com points out that the commercial viability of events like Las Vegas will determine the duration of future contracts, with possible revisions in the event of low attendance or low ROI.
In parallel, the retention of six sprint events and track test days (two three-day sessions in Spain and Bahrain) suggests an evolution toward more content-rich weekends and sponsorship opportunities.
The entry of new manufacturers such as Audi, Cadillac and Ford, aided by technical regulations on sustainable engines and fuels, may influence the choice of locations for product launches and dedicated marketing activations.
Implications for sponsors and marketing opportunities
For the sponsors, the new calendar offers visibility in expanding markets such as Madrid, Miami and Las Vegas, with tailored hospitality packages in prestigious locations. The concentration of the European summer block allows integrative brand activation campaigns to be planned with local partners and digital engagement in Munich, Spa and Zandvoort.
Final triple-headers in North America and the Middle East create opportunities for joint sponsorship agreements, multi-event hospitality solutions and long-term licensing projects.
Finally, for sustainability-conscious brands, the narrative of new power units and 100% advanced fuels is a strong appeal for corporate social responsibility campaigns.
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