Formula 1: A New Era
Formula 1 and the FIA have officially announced the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar. Get ready for another thrilling 24-round season, featuring groundbreaking new technical regulations and 100% advanced sustainable fuels.
Season Kick-off and Global Journey
The 2026 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8 and concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from December 4-6. The F1 community will traverse five continents over the year.
Improved Flow and Key Changes
The calendar is designed for better geographical flow and efficiency. This means the Canadian Grand Prix now follows Miami, simplifying freight movement. This change also creates a more consolidated European summer leg, kicking off in Monaco and wrapping up with Madrid’s racing debut. From there, the championship heads to Asia, then a triple-header in the Americas, finally concluding the season in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
Madrid In, Imola Out:
The 2026 calendar announcement has sparked significant debate, notably around the removal of the iconic Imola circuit. This decision led to the disappointment of many fans, who didn’t waste time voicing their frustration online.
Indeed, Imola holds special place for F1 fans, notably due to its rich racing history, and challenging turns. Commemorated, especially regarding the tragic weekend of 1994, Imola’s removal is thus fuel for controversies. Certain fans consider that droping such venue, while maintaining three races in the U.S. and adding a new one in Madrid, forms a shift that diverts the sport from its history and identity solely for the sake of commercial expansion.
Imola’s Mayor, Marco Panieri, and President, Michele de Pascale, have released a statement following the removal of the race in the calendar. They highlight the importance of the track for the fans as “one of the most loved and appreciated”.
“We want to be very clear: this news is by no means the final word.”
Additionally, they underline how they “have truly done everything that could be done”. According to the statement, the cooperation of the Municipality of Imola is not to be doubted.
“However, this is not the time for controversy, buck-passing and resignation. Now is the time for everyone to take responsibility and resume discussions for a return to the calendar.” This paragraph, ending the statement shows their focus on the future and the race’s return.
A Transformative Season Ahead
Stefano Domenicali, CEO and President of Formula 1, called 2026 “a new era”. The championship will include new regulations, cars, and fully sustainable fuel. He expressed excitement about adding Madrid ciruit and major automotive brands like Audi, Cadillac, and Ford to the grid. Dominicali is promising an “unforgettable season.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, emphasized the global nature of the 24 Grands Prix. The joint commitment to a more efficient and sustainable championship is also highlighted as a key aspect.
Formula 2: 14 Rounds on the F1 Stage
The 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship features 14 rounds and 28 races, all supporting Formula 1.
Formula 3: 10 Rounds, Building Future Stars
The 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship comprises 10 rounds, supporting both F2 and F1.
The Pyramid System in Focus:
The close alignment of the F2 and F3 calendars with Formula 1 is a deliberate design to reinforce the sport’s crucial pyramid system for developing future F1 stars.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, highlighted this connection:
“We welcomed four F2 drivers up to Formula 1 this year, which has demonstrated how critical the pyramid system is to the sport and its ongoing success.”
Additionally, Bruno Michel, CEO of both series, emphasized that “F2 is the ultimate preparation for Formula 1,” and nearly half of the 2025 F2 grid were F3 graduates. Racing on F1 tracks in front of the F1 paddock is “absolutely key” for these young talents. The addition of Madrid across all series further solidifies this, offering junior drivers exposure to a new F1-level circuit. This approach ensures aspiring F1 drivers gain experience on the tracks where they hope to compete at in the future.
For more on another electrifying racing series, be sure to check out our article on the newly revealed Formula E calendar.