Australia to kick off huge 2026 Formula One season

Formula One has finalised a 24-round calendar for 2026, starting in Melbourne and headlined by the debut of a new street race in Madrid and the retention of Catalunya.

For Australian fans, the biggest news is that Melbourne will once again open the season, holding onto the coveted first Formula One round for the second year running, on March 8.

It marks a decisive vote of confidence in the Australian Grand Prix, which is now one of the most attended Grand Prix on the calendar and was restored to the season-opening slot in 2025.

Some of the new facilities for the Australian Grand Prix.

However, there are growing rumours that the 2027 event may be temporarily shifted to November to allow for major works at Albert Park, including the construction of a new pit building and paddock complex. 

If so, Melbourne is expected to return to its traditional opener role in the 2028 Formula One season.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will stay in 2026. Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Spain’s rare double-header sees Barcelona hosting the Spanish Grand Prix on June 14, despite widespread expectation it would be replaced by Madrid. 

Instead, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has secured at least a short-term reprieve, with Spain hosting two races in the same season for the first time since 2012 when the European Grand Prix was held on the streets of Valencia.

F1’s new hybrid circuit in Madrid, Spain.

This move means Spain and the USA are the only countries with more than one Formula One Grand Prix, while Imola drops off the calendar, having made an unexpected return from 2020 onwards.

Elsewhere, the Monaco Grand Prix moves to June 7, breaking its long-standing clash with the Indianapolis 500. 

The Canadian GP at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve has been brought forward. Photo by Patrick Vinet / Sutton Images

That frees up space for the Canadian Grand Prix, which slides forward to 24 May.

The calendar opens with three early flyaways—Australia, China and Japan—before shifting to the Middle East and North America, then into the heart of the European summer. 

Monaco will not be held in May. Image: Getty

After the August break, the championship runs through Zandvoort, Monza and Madrid, then finishes with a six-race stretch through Asia and the Americas.

2026 Formula One World Championship Calendar

Round 1 – Australia (Melbourne) 08 March

Round 2 – China (Shanghai) 15 March

Round 3 – Japan (Suzuka) 29 March

Round 4 – Bahrain (Sakhir) 12 April

Round 5 – Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) 19 April

Round 6 – Miami Street Circuit 03 May

Round 7 – Canada (Montréal) 24 May

Round 8 – Monaco (Monte Carlo) 07 June

Round 9 – Spain (Barcelona) 14 June

Round 10 – Austria (Spielberg) 28 June

Round 11 – Great Britain (Silverstone) 05 July

Round 12 – Hungary (Budapest) 19 July

Round 13 – Belgium (Spa) 26 July

Round 14 – Netherlands (Zandvoort) 23 August

Round 15 – Italy (Monza) 06 September

Round 16 – Madrid Street Circuit 13 September

Round 17 – Azerbaijan (Baku) 27 September

Round 18 – Singapore (Marina Bay) 11 October

Round 19 – United States (Austin) 25 October

Round 20 – Mexico (Mexico City) 01 November

Round 21 – Brazil (São Paulo) 08 November

Round 22 – Las Vegas Street Circuit 21 November

Round 23 – Qatar (Lusail) 29 November

Round 24 – Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) 06 December 

Main Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool

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