The F1 2026 season is set to kick off with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, marking the beginning of a new era for Formula 1.

As reported by PlanetF1.com, the Australian Grand Prix will be held from March 6-8, ushering in a series of changes for the upcoming season.

Imola Out, New Madrid Grand Prix In

One of the significant changes for F1 2026 is the removal of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix from the calendar. This event has been replaced by the new Madrid Grand Prix, which will conclude the European leg of the season after the Italian Grand Prix in mid-September.

The Madrid Grand Prix is still pending confirmation, as the venue is currently under construction around the IFEMA exhibition centre.

Reshuffling of Events

The addition of the Madrid Grand Prix has led to a reshuffling of events before F1's entry into Europe in 2026. The Monaco Grand Prix will now be the starting point for the European races, delayed until June 7.

The Canadian and Monaco Grands Prix have swapped dates, with Montreal hosting Round 7 of the season, just three weeks after the Miami Grand Prix in the United States.

Exciting Finale to the Season

The F1 2026 calendar features a busy finale, with six events packed into seven weeks. The season will wrap up with races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, promising an action-packed conclusion to the championship.

New Teams and Manufacturers

F1 fans can expect to see new teams and manufacturers in the upcoming season, with big automotive brands like Audi, Cadillac, and Ford joining the Formula 1 grid. This, along with the introduction of sustainable fuel, is set to make the 2026 season a memorable one.

Statements from F1 Officials

Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, expressed his excitement for the upcoming season and thanked fans, the FIA, volunteers, and partners for their support. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, highlighted the new chapter for the sport, with new races, teams, and manufacturers contributing to an era of innovation and competition.

The 24-event calendar for F1 2026 is the longest allowed under the Concorde Agreement without unanimous team approval, reflecting efforts to streamline logistics and make the championship more efficient and sustainable.

Source: PlanetF1