Honestly, if you're trying to figure out when is the formula 1 race, you’ve probably noticed that the schedule looks a little... different this time around. We aren't just talking about a few date swaps. 2026 is basically the "Year Zero" for a brand-new era of Formula 1.
New engines. New aero rules. New cars that are actually a bit smaller and lighter (finally!). And most importantly for your weekend plans, a calendar that has been shuffled to stop the circus from flying back and forth across the Atlantic like a confused migratory bird.
The season officially kicks off in Melbourne. No more "Bahrain is the first race" talk—the Australian Grand Prix is back in its rightful spot as the season opener on March 8, 2026. If you're on the East Coast of the US, that means a late-night Saturday session or a very early Sunday morning coffee.
The 2026 Race Weekend Breakdown
The FIA and Liberty Media have been under a lot of pressure to make the sport more sustainable. Because of that, the 2026 schedule is grouped by region more than ever before.
It starts with a Pacific flyaway. After Melbourne, the teams head straight to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix on March 15, followed by Suzuka in Japan on March 29. This regional grouping is a massive win for the mechanics who used to spend half their lives in a pressurized aluminum tube.
The Spring Swing
Once the Asian leg is done, F1 heads to the Middle East. But wait—Ramadan actually shifted things here. Because Ramadan falls in February and March in 2026, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races moved to April.
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- Bahrain Grand Prix: April 12
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: April 19
These back-to-back night races are usually where we see who actually has the fastest car once the "new season" hype dies down.
When Is The Formula 1 Race In North America?
For the fans in the States and Canada, the 2026 schedule has a pretty significant change. Typically, Canada sits in the middle of the European season, forcing teams to fly to Montreal and then immediately back to Spain.
Not anymore.
To save on carbon emissions (and probably some sanity), the Canadian Grand Prix has been moved to May 24, 2026. This puts it right after the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. Basically, F1 does its first "American Tour" in May before heading to Europe for the summer.
The European Summer and the Madrid Debut
The "Heart of F1" starts in Monaco on June 7. This is later than usual. If you’re used to Memorial Day weekend being Monaco weekend, you’ll need to update your internal clock.
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Then comes the big one. The one everyone is talking about.
The Spanish Grand Prix is moving to a new street circuit in Madrid on September 13. But here's the kicker: Barcelona isn't gone yet. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is actually hosting a race earlier in the year on June 14 under the title of the "Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix." So yes, you get two races in Spain this year.
The Mid-Season Grind
- Austria (Spielberg): June 28
- Great Britain (Silverstone): July 5
- Belgium (Spa): July 19
- Hungary (Budapest): July 26
After Hungary, the sport takes its mandatory three-week summer break. No cars running, no wind tunnels, just drivers posting photos from yachts in Greece. They return on August 23 for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
The Final Countdown: Triple Headers and Saturday Sprints
The end of the season is a total gauntlet. If you're asking when is the formula 1 race in the fall, prepare for two massive triple-headers.
The first heavy stretch starts in Austin on October 25, followed immediately by Mexico City on November 1, and Brazil on November 8.
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Then, there's the Vegas factor. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is happening on November 21. Keep in mind, this is a Saturday night race. If you’re looking for it on Sunday morning, you’ve already missed the podium.
The season finally wraps up with a double-header in the desert:
- Qatar Grand Prix: November 29
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: December 6
Don't Forget the Sprints
In 2026, six venues are hosting the Sprint format. If you like more racing and less practice, keep an eye on these weekends: China, Miami, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Singapore. These weekends have a competitive session every single day.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning to watch or attend, here is how you should handle the 2026 season:
- Sync your calendar early: Because of the Saturday races in Baku (September 26) and Las Vegas (November 21), a standard Sunday-only routine will leave you out of the loop.
- Watch the Pre-Season Tests: With the massive 2026 regulation changes, the Bahrain tests (Feb 11-13 and Feb 18-20) are actually worth watching. Usually, testing is boring. This year, it’s where we see if anyone has "pulled a Brawn GP" and found a loophole in the new rules.
- Check Local Start Times: The move of the Canadian GP to May means different light conditions and potentially cooler track temps than the June slot we've had for decades.
The 2026 season isn't just a continuation of 2025. It’s a complete reset. Whether you're rooting for Hamilton in his second year at Ferrari or watching to see how Audi performs in their debut, the timing of these races is the first thing you need to master.