Comprehensive 2026 F1 schedule: all race dates and key details

What you need to know about the 2026 Formula One World Championship

• The 2026 F1 season features 24 races, kicking off in March in Australia (March 6–8) and wrapping up in December in Abu Dhabi (December 4–6), setting up another full-throttle year of motorsport.

• A big storyline on the calendar is Madrid’s debut, with two races in Spain in 2026 (Barcelona-Catalunya in June, then Spain in September).

• Key weekends like Silverstone and Las Vegas stand out as total “race trip” events: the kind of GPs where the atmosphere off-track can feel as big as the action on it

• In order to get F1 Tickets, the best way to secure your spot is by checking trusted resale platforms like TicketSwap, where fans list tickets safely and securely. If you find your dream ticket, you can purchase it with confidence. If not, set up a ticket alert so you’re the first to know when one becomes available!

The complete 2026 F1 schedule & must-watch events

Pre-Season Testing (February 11-13 & February 18-20) – Bahrain, Sakhir

Before the lights go out for the first race, teams hit the track in Bahrain for crucial pre-season testing. This is the first chance to see the 2026 cars in action, as drivers push their new machines to the limit under the desert sun. With teams fine-tuning setups and assessing performance, testing offers a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the season ahead.

Want to witness the action live? Buy or sell your testing day tickets now on TicketSwap!

March: A classic start down under

Australian Grand Prix (March 6-8) – Melbourne

The season kicks off at Albert Park, bringing the excitement of Formula 1 back to its traditional opening venue. This high-speed street circuit, set around a picturesque lake, challenges drivers with its tricky corners and rapid straights.

Missed out on Melbourne tickets? Buy or sell yours securely on TicketSwap and be part of the season opener!

Chinese Grand Prix (March 13-15) – Shanghai

Making a return to the calendar, the Shanghai International Circuit features one of the longest straights in Formula 1. Expect intense DRS battles and strategic overtaking as teams navigate this technical track.

Shanghai is back! Buy your ticket now and be part of F1’s thrilling return to China.

Japanese Grand Prix (March 27-29) – Suzuka

This legendary figure-eight circuit is known for its fast, flowing esses and tight overtaking spots. Suzuka is a driver favorite, offering one of the most technical challenges on the calendar.

Experience the legendary Suzuka Circuit – grab a resale ticket or list yours safely today!

April: Middle Eastern and Asian action

Bahrain Grand Prix (April 10-12) – Sakhir

Taking place under the lights, this desert track is notorious for its varying grip levels and tire degradation. The combination of long straights and heavy braking zones makes for thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing.

Don’t miss the night race in the Bahraini desert – buy your Bahrain GP ticket now!

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (April 17-19) – Jeddah

One of the fastest street circuits in the world, Jeddah’s tight layout and high-speed corners demand absolute precision. Its location along the Red Sea adds to the spectacular nighttime setting.

Find last-minute Jeddah tickets or sell yours securely and let someone else enjoy the high-speed drama.

May: Europe comes alive

Miami Grand Prix (May 1-3) – Miami

A high-energy event in Florida, the Miami GP offers a mix of high-speed sections and technical corners. With its vibrant crowd and unpredictable weather, this one is always a spectacle.

F1 meets Miami’s electric energy – snag your ticket now or sell yours to eager fans!

Canadian Grand Prix (May 22-24) – Montreal

Held at the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, this track often delivers dramatic moments. The famous ‘Wall of Champions’ has caught out even the best drivers over the years.

Be part of the action at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – find tickets or resell yours easily!

June: Classic circuits on two continents

Monaco Grand Prix (June 5-7) – Monte Carlo

The crown jewel of F1, Monaco’s tight streets and unforgiving barriers demand supreme skill. Strategy and track position are key, making qualifying one of the most intense of the season.

Don’t miss Monte Carlo's glamour – secure a resale ticket or list yours today!

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix (June 12-14) – Barcelona

A benchmark circuit that evaluates car performance, Barcelona is a mix of long straights and technical corners. Tire wear plays a huge role in strategies.

Barcelona is calling – grab a ticket or safely sell yours now!

Austrian Grand Prix (June 26-28) – Spielberg

Surrounded by stunning mountains, the Red Bull Ring is a short yet action-packed circuit. With multiple DRS zones, overtaking is frequent and unpredictable.

High-speed battles in the Austrian Alps – get your resale ticket before they’re gone!

July: Summer thrills

British Grand Prix (July 3-5) – Silverstone

Starting the exciting month of July we have the host of legendary corners like Maggots, Becketts, and Copse, Silverstone provides pure excitement. A massive fanbase ensures an electric atmosphere.

Silverstone’s iconic atmosphere awaits – buy or sell your ticket securely today!

Belgian Grand Prix (July 17-19) – Spa-Francorchamps

Famous for the Eau Rouge-Raidillon complex, Spa is one of the most exhilarating tracks on the calendar. Its unpredictable weather often plays a role in determining outcomes.

Witness Eau Rouge in person – secure a resale ticket or sell yours with ease!

Hungarian Grand Prix (July 24-26) – Budapest

Known as ‘Monaco without walls,’ the Hungaroring’s tight, twisty layout makes overtaking difficult. A well-executed strategy is vital for success here.

Can’t make it to the Hungaroring? Sell your ticket or find a last-minute deal now!

August: A mid-season battle

Dutch Grand Prix (August 21-23) – Zandvoort

The enthusiastic Dutch crowd creates an incredible atmosphere at Zandvoort. Banked corners and a short, technical layout add to the excitement.

The asphalt awaits – buy or sell your Zandvoort GP ticket safely!

September: High-speed showdowns

Italian Grand Prix (September 4-6) – Monza

The ‘Temple of Speed’ features the highest top speeds of the 2026 campaign. Slipstream battles and late-braking duels define this historic competition.

Monza’s legendary speed is unmissable – grab a resale ticket or sell yours today!

Spanish Grand Prix (September 11-13) – Madrid

A brand-new era for Spain: Madrid’s debut F1 weekend brings a fresh circuit and a huge-city atmosphere, with the buzz of a first-time venue and the intensity that comes with it.

Be there for Madrid’s big debut – set an alert, find tickets, or list yours on TicketSwap!

Azerbaijan Grand Prix (September 24-26) – Baku

Baku’s street circuit blends long, flat-out straights with tight, castle-lined corners. It’s a track that often produces chaotic and unpredictable races.

Expect chaos in Baku – find resale tickets or list yours before the weekend!

October: Night races & American fever

Singapore Grand Prix (October 9-11) – Marina Bay

This physically demanding track at night pushes drivers to their limits with high humidity and 23 grueling corners. Safety cars frequently shake up the strategy.

The ultimate night track awaits in Singapore – secure your spot or sell your ticket with ease!

United States Grand Prix (October 23-25) – Austin

The Circuit of the Americas boasts elevation changes and a variety of corner types. The passionate Texan crowd ensures an exciting atmosphere.

Feel the energy of COTA – buy or sell your Austin GP ticket now!

Mexico City Grand Prix (October 30-November 1) – Mexico City

Driving at high altitude, cars struggle with reduced downforce. The stadium section’s roaring fans add to the race’s unique charm.

Mexico City at its finest – grab your ticket or resell yours safely!

November: The season heats up

São Paulo Grand Prix (November 6-8) – Interlagos

A classic F1 venue, Interlagos is known for unpredictable weather and dramatic late battles between the cars. Overtaking is plentiful, making for exciting races.

Experience Brazil’s F1 passion – buy or sell your ticket today!

Las Vegas Grand Prix (November 19-21) – Las Vegas

Racing under the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip, this event is as much about spectacle as it is about competition. A high-speed circuit ensures wheel-to-wheel action.

Experience the Championship under the Las Vegas lights – find resale tickets or list yours now!

Qatar Grand Prix (November 27-29) – Lusail

A fast-flowing track under the floodlights, Lusail tests drivers with its smooth tarmac and challenging corners. The nighttime environment adds to the excitement.

Don’t miss the battle in Qatar – buy or sell your ticket before it’s too late!

December: The grand finale

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (December 4-6) – Yas Marina

The season concludes in Abu Dhabi, where championship battles often come to a head in a last track. The modern track and its drama making for a fitting finale.

Witness the last race in style - secure your Abu Dhabi GP ticket or sell yours today.

The unmissable races that will define the 2026 F1 season

As the engines roar to life in March, there are several key races that every F1 fan should mark on their calendars. The season opens with the Australian Grand Prix on March 6–8 and concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 4–6.

In between, tracks like the British Grand Prix at Silverstone (July 3–5) stand out for their historic significance and the thrilling spectacle they offer. These races not only shape the championship standings but also provide unforgettable moments that define the essence of Formula 1.

British Grand Prix at Silverstone

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is a jewel in the Formula 1 crown, celebrated for its rich history and passionate fan base. This legendary race is more than just a competition; it’s an event where motorsport heritage meets modern-day excitement.

Fans are treated to big-name live music and evening entertainment that turns the weekend into a festival, with David Guetta already confirmed as one of the 2026 headliners, and more acts expected to be announced. Beyond the track action, Silverstone’s entertainment zones and on-stage moments help bring fans closer to the sport throughout the weekend.

Las Vegas Grand Prix: The Glamour and glitz

Scheduled for November 20–22, 2026, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated modern highlights on the F1 calendar. Racing through the iconic Las Vegas Strip, this event delivers a unique blend of high-speed action and the city’s renowned nightlife and entertainment.

With the backdrop of neon lights and the promise of an unforgettable experience, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to become a standout stop in the season, bringing a new level of excitement and glamour to Formula 1.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: The final showdown

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the thrilling climax of the F1 season, often serving as the decisive race that crowns the world champion. Held from December 4-6, 2026, this race is crucial for determining both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.

The stunning night race format under the Yas Marina lights adds to the spectacle, making it a fitting conclusion to a final season of high drama and intense competition. The stakes couldn’t be higher as teams and drivers give their all in this last race showdown.

How free practice and qualifying shape the race

Free practice and qualifying sessions are critical components of the F1 weekend, allowing teams to fine-tune their cars and strategies. These sessions offer crucial data on car performance and track conditions, vital for optimising setups and preparing for the main race.

Understanding the nuances of these sessions can give fans a deeper appreciation of the strategic elements that go into each race.

Why free practice is critical for race success

Free practice sessions are invaluable for drivers to acclimate to the circuit conditions and optimise their performance. These sessions allow them to familiarise themselves with the track layout, test various setups, and gather crucial data to refine their strategies.

When competitive sessions begin, teams and drivers are well-prepared to face the challenges ahead, with free practice being a cornerstone of race weekend preparations.

The battle for pole position: how qualifying works

Qualifying sessions determine the starting grid for the race, with drivers aiming to get the fastest lap times across three segments: Q1, Q2, and Q3. Each segment progressively narrows down the field, with the fastest drivers securing the most advantageous starting positions to line up.

The outcome of qualifying can have a significant impact on the race, making it a crucial aspect of the weekend. Securing a good grid position can provide a strategic advantage, setting the stage for the high-stakes battle on race day.

More action, more points: The 2026 sprint races

Sprint races add an extra layer of excitement to the 2026 Formula One World Championship, with six Sprint weekends scheduled across the season. These shorter, high-intensity races award valuable championship points, meaning there’s more at stake across the entire weekend, not just on Sunday.

With Sprint in the mix, standings can swing faster, momentum can shift overnight, and teams have less time to recover from mistakes, keeping the competition fierce and unpredictable.

Where to catch the most thrilling sprint races

The 2026 season will feature Sprint weekends at six standout locations: Shanghai, Miami, Montreal, Silverstone, Zandvoort, and Singapore. Each venue brings its own flavour: from big straights and heavy-braking battles in Shanghai to festival energy in Miami, classic high-speed tradition at Silverstone, and the intensity of a floodlit street race in Singapore.

These weekends are chosen to maximise action and strategy across Friday to Sunday, making Sprint rounds some of the most unpredictable and entertaining stops on the calendar.

How sprint races influence the championship

Sprint races play a significant role in shaping the championship standings by awarding points to the top finishers, adding another competitive moment where drivers can gain (or lose) ground. Those extra points can create strategic advantages for teams and influence how they approach the rest of the weekend, including the main race.

Across a tight title fight, sprint points can make a critical difference in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, adding another layer of strategy and pressure to the 2026 season.

Meet the 2026 teams & driver line ups shaping the championship

The dynamics of the 2026 season are shaped by a major rules reset, and a grid that’s now fully locked in. There are headline pairings at the front (including Lewis Hamilton continuing at Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc), fresh faces stepping up (like Arvid Lindblad’s rookie season with Racing Bulls), and a brand-new team joining the party with Cadillac entering F1.

On top of the drivers, team leadership is evolving too, and in a year this big, the people calling the shots on the pit wall can be just as influential as the talent in the cockpit.

Game-changing driver moves for 2026

While several teams keep stable pairings (like McLaren with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and Mercedes with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli), there are a few moves that could reshape the competitive order. Red Bull switch things up by pairing Max Verstappen with Isack Hadjar, while Racing Bulls bring in highly rated rookie Arvid Lindblad alongside Liam Lawson.

The biggest “new story” on the grid is Cadillac, who arrive with experience up front by signing Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, a veteran duo tasked with getting a brand-new team up to speed fast.

The teams to watch & their winning strategies

Team principals are the strategic minds behind an F1 team’s direction, from development calls to race-day decisions, and 2026 puts that leadership under the spotlight. Laurent Mekies leads Red Bull into a new chapter, while Adrian Newey becomes Aston Martin’s Team Principal from 2026, with Andy Cowell shifting into a Chief Strategy Officer role to focus on the Honda works partnership.

Elsewhere, there’s continuity at the top with figures like Toto Wolff (Mercedes) and Fred Vasseur (Ferrari), while new-era projects are taking shape under Jonathan Wheatley at Audi and Graeme Lowdon at Cadillac. Alpine, meanwhile, head into 2026 with their Team Principal position still unsettled, a storyline worth watching as the season approaches.

Beyond the tracks: F1's best fan experiences in 2025

The 2026 Formula 1 World Championship isn’t just about the line-ups, the cars, and the tracks, but it’s also about unforgettable fan experiences. From interactive fan zones to live entertainment and on-site activations, Formula 1 weekends are packed with things to do beyond the racing action.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix, in particular, pairs high-octane racing with the city’s all-night energy, making it a must-attend weekend for fans who want spectacle on and off the track.

Immerse yourself in hands-on F1 experiences

Fan zones at many Grands Prix offer interactive activities that bring you closer to the sport, from simulators and reaction challenges to stage moments, appearances, and live fan content throughout the weekend. These experiences are designed to make the race feel like more than a seat in the grandstand, it’s a full-day (or full-weekend) event.

Elevate your race weekend with live music

Race weekends in 2026 continue to lean into festival vibes, with live performances helping extend the excitement beyond the chequered flag. Silverstone is a great example, with David Guetta confirmed as a 2026 headliner and more acts expected to follow, the British Grand Prix blends motorsport heritage with a major live-entertainment line-up.

This blend of live music and motorsport ensures that fans have a memorable experience, with the excitement extending from the tracks to the concert stages.

Meet the drivers & learn F1 secrets at tech talks

Many weekends include opportunities to hear more from the people behind the performance, through stage interviews, fan forums, team/driver appearances, and behind-the-scenes storytelling that adds depth to what you’re watching on track. It’s one of the best ways to understand the strategy and technology that shape each race weekend.

Never miss a race: how to watch F1 2026

Catching all the action from the 2026 F1 season has never been easier, thanks to a variety of broadcasting and streaming options available globally. Whether you prefer watching Formula 1 on your TV or streaming on your favourite device, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to the high-speed drama.

From major networks to dedicated F1 platforms, fans can choose the option that suits them best, and the official F1 broadcast directory is the quickest way to confirm what’s available in your country.

Best networks to watch the F1 2026 live

Major broadcasters around the world will cover the 2026 F1 season with live race weekends. In the United States, Apple TV becomes the exclusive home of Formula 1 from 2026, with full weekend coverage.

In the UK, Sky Sports F1 continues to provide comprehensive coverage and remains F1’s exclusive broadcast home.

In Spain, DAZN continues its exclusive coverage through the end of the 2026 season.

Where to stream F1 2026: best viewing options worldwide

For fans who prefer streaming, coverage depends on territory. In the US, the shift to Apple TV also affects direct F1 subscriptions, F1 TV Pro/Premium purchases and renewals are being phased out for US viewers ahead of 2026.

In many other regions, F1 TV Pro is available in selected countries, offering live sessions, onboard cameras, and replays (availability varies by market).

And in places like Australia, services such as Fox Sports/Kayo carry every practice, qualifying session, and race live, making it easy to follow the full weekend from anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many races are there in the 2026 Formula One season?

The 2026 Formula One season has 24 races on the official calendar.

Are F1 tickets hard to get?

F1 tickets are highly sought after and can be tough to secure for the biggest weekends.

Your best bet is to check trusted resale platforms like TicketSwap, where fans list tickets safely; if the ticket you want is available, grab it quickly; if not, set an alert (the TicketSwap app makes this much easier). For more buy/sell strategies, our Cracking TicketSwap article breaks down the best tactics.

What are some key races to watch in the 2026 season?

If you only watch a handful of races in 2026, keep an eye on the season opener in Australia (March 6–8), classics like Monaco and Silverstone, the flat-out drama of Monza, the new Madrid-hosted Spanish GP (Sept 11–13), the night intensity of Singapore, and the showpiece Las Vegas GP (Nov 19–21) before the finale in Abu Dhabi (Dec 4–6).

What are some major driver changes for the 2026 season?

Major driver-lineup headlines for 2026 include Max Verstappen paired with Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, Arvid Lindblad stepping up at Racing Bulls, and Cadillac joining the grid with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

What date does the new F1 season start?

The new season starts on March 6, 2026 (Australian GP weekend runs March 6–8).

How long is an F1 race?

A Grand Prix is run over a set distance (usually about 305 km), and typically lasts around 90 minutes, depending on the track, weather, and safety cars.

Which F1 driver has the most wins?

The driver with the most F1 race wins is Lewis Hamilton (105).

Why is Monza called the Temple of speed?

Monza is called the “Temple of Speed” because it’s historically the calendar’s ultimate high-speed venue: long straights and fast sections that have produced some of F1’s most famous top-speed moments.

Who drove the fastest in F1?

By the official race-day record, it’s Juan Pablo Montoya with that 372.6 km/h run at Monza.

How can I watch the 2026 F1 season?

To watch the 2026 season, the simplest answer is: check Formula 1’s official broadcast directory for your country, and use F1 TV where it’s available. In the United States, F1 will be exclusive to Apple TV starting in 2026.

Ready for race weekend?

The lights go out in March: don’t miss your chance to be there in person.

Check TicketSwap for safe resale F1 tickets, set an alert in the TicketSwap app, and grab your spot as soon as tickets go live. Buy or sell your 2026 F1 tickets on TicketSwap.