Formula 1 2026 Season Preview: Key Dates, New Era Cars, and Expanded Grid
As the dust settles on the thrilling 2025 Formula 1 season, where Lando Norris secured his first world title in a nail-biting three-way showdown, fans are eagerly anticipating the new 2026 season. With a short winter break for fans and an even shorter one for teams, preparations are underway to unveil the 2026 new-era cars, promising another competitive season.
This year marks a significant expansion of the grid, with the addition of Cadillac and Audi taking over the Sauber team, bringing the total number of teams to 11 and drivers to 22. As the season approaches, here’s a comprehensive preview of the key dates and events to look forward to.
Preseason Testing
The 2026 preseason testing will consist of six days of official testing in Bahrain, complemented by a four-day private test in Barcelona in January, held behind closed doors. The Barcelona test is not organized by F1 or the governing body, the FIA, but rather independently by teams with the Spanish circuit. Unlike the Bahrain test, which will be televised, the Barcelona test will not release any timing data to the public.
The Bahrain testing days will be split into morning and afternoon sessions, providing drivers and teams with the opportunity to get up to speed and giving fans an early glimpse into the pecking order. This year’s testing holds even more intrigue as the new era of cars takes to the track, setting the first public lap times.
The preseason testing schedule is as follows:
Jan. 26-30: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (behind closed doors)
Feb. 11-13: Preseason testing in Bahrain
Feb. 18-20: Preseason testing in Bahrain
The Formula 1 2026 Calendar
Two weeks after the conclusion of preseason testing, the 2026 Formula 1 season will officially commence in Melbourne, Australia. The calendar boasts 24 races around the world, with the United States hosting three Grand Prix events: in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas. Spain will also welcome a new Grand Prix in Madrid.
Additionally, there will be six sprint weekends, including the British Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix, offering more racing and more points for drivers. The season will conclude with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 4-6.
The 2026 Formula 1 calendar is as follows:
Round 1 – March 6-8: Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne
Round 2 – March 13-15: Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai (sprint weekend)
Round 3 – March 27-29: Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka
Round 4 – April 10-12: Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir
Round 5 – April 17-19: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Jeddah
Round 6 – May 1-3: Miami Grand Prix, Miami (sprint weekend)
Round 7 – May 22-24: Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal (sprint weekend)
Round 8 – June 5-7: Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco
Round 9 – June 12-14: Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, Barcelona
Round 10 – June 26-28: Austrian Grand Prix, Spielberg
Round 11 – July 3-5: British Grand Prix, Silverstone (sprint weekend)
Round 12 – July 17-19: Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps
Round 13 – July 24-26: Hungarian Grand Prix, Budapest
F1 summer break.
Round 14 – August 21-23: Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort (sprint weekend)
Round 15 – September 4-6: Italian Grand Prix, Monza
Round 16 – September 12-14: Spanish Grand Prix, Madrid
Round 17 – September 24-26: Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Baku*
Round 18 – October 9-11: Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay (sprint weekend)
Round 19 – October 23-25: United States Grand Prix, Texas
Round 20 – October 30 – November 1: Mexico City Grand Prix
Round 21 – November 6-8: Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Round 22 – November 19-21: Las Vegas Grand Prix
Round 23 – November 27-29: Qatar Grand Prix, Lusail
Round 24 – December 4-6: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina
*The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will take place on Saturday to accommodate a national day in Azerbaijan.
For the most up-to-date information and detailed schedule, visit the official ESPN 2026 schedule.
