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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Kieran Jackson

F1 confirms 2026 calendar with Madrid debut and iconic circuit dropped

Formula One has revealed its 2026 calendar with a shake-up that has seen Imola cut and Madrid confirmed for its debut grand prix.

There will now be an uninterrupted European section next year, with Madrid confirmed to host the Spanish Grand Prix until at least 2035, concluding that section of the schedule.

Held on 11-13 September, Madrid joins Barcelona, in the final year of its contract on 12-14 June, as the second race in Spain, with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola in Italy being cut from the current calendar to ensure the season continues with 24 races.

Under pressure to streamline transport and reduce carbon emissions, F1 has made a number of changes.

Canada has been moved up to 22-24 May, following Miami on 1-3 May, to allow for “significant freight efficiencies as some equipment can move directly from one to the other”.

F1 will start in Europe with Monaco in the first week of June through to Madrid on 13 September, before moving to Azerbaijan on 25-27 September.

This streamlined schedule comes along with new rules in the sport for revised engines, to run on 100 per cent sustainable fuels.

The season begins in Melbourne, Australia, on 6-8 March and will conclude once again in Abu Dhabi on 4-6 December, while the British Grand Prix will be held on 3-5 July.

After Imola’s departure, 2026 will also see the final appearance of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort on 21-23 August.

2026 F1 calendar

Australia – 6-8 March

China – 13-15 March

Japan – 27-29 March

Bahrain – 10-12 April

Saudi Arabia – 17-19 April

Miami – 1-3 May

Canada – 22-24 May

Monaco – 5-7 June

Spain (Barcelona) – 12-14 June

Austria – 26-28 June

Great Britain – 3-5 July

Belgium – 17-19 July

Hungary – 24-26 July

Netherlands – 21-23 August

Italy – 4-6 September

Spain (Madrid) – 11-13 September

Azerbaijan – 25-27 September

Singapore – 9-11 October

United States (Austin) – 23-25 October

Mexico – 30 October–1 November

Brazil – 6-8 November

Las Vegas – 19-21 November

Qatar – 27-29 November

Abu Dhabi – 4-6 December

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