F1 2026 Calendar: New Era, 11 Teams, and Key Dates
F1's 2026 season features a new era of cars, 11 teams, and a 24-race calendar starting in Australia, with key testing dates now confirmed.
Following Lando Norris's 2025 title victory, Formula 1 enters a pivotal 2026 season defined by new regulations and an expanded grid. With Cadillac joining and Audi taking over Sauber, the field grows to 22 drivers. The schedule includes 24 races and six sprint events, kicking off with a unique testing format before the Melbourne opener.
Why it matters:
The introduction of new power unit and aerodynamic rules represents the biggest technical shake-up in years. The expansion to 11 teams alters the competitive landscape and commercial dynamics. Fans and teams face a rapid turnaround from the 2025 finale, making the upcoming preseason tests critical for assessing the new pecking order.
The Details:
- Preseason Testing: Teams agreed to a private, four-day test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from Jan. 26-30, with no public timing data. Official, televised testing takes place in Bahrain across two sessions: Feb. 11-13 and Feb. 18-20.
- Season Opener: The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 6 begins the 24-race campaign.
- Calendar Highlights: The U.S. hosts three rounds (Miami, Austin, Las Vegas), while Madrid makes its debut as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix.
- Sprint Weekends: Six races will feature the sprint format, including China, Miami, Canada, Britain, the Netherlands, and Singapore.
Looking Ahead:
The short winter break leaves minimal room for error as teams prepare their new-era challengers. The Bahrain tests will provide the first real glimpse of how the new regulations impact performance gaps. The season concludes on Dec. 6 in Abu Dhabi, capping off a grueling 11-month campaign.