The 2026 Formula 1 season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8 at Albert Park in Melbourne.

Key Schedule Highlights

The opening double-header continues March 13-15 in China at Shanghai (a Sprint weekend).

Japan follows on March 27-29 at Suzuka, then Bahrain (April 10-12) and Saudi Arabia (April 17-19).

This 24-race calendar introduces Madrid and features six Sprint events, including Miami (May 1-3).

Round| Dates| Venue| Notes
---|---|---|---
1| Mar 6-8| Australia (Melbourne)| Season opener 17
2| Mar 13-15| China (Shanghai)| Sprint 1
3| Mar 27-29| Japan (Suzuka)| Traditional early race 1
4| Apr 10-12| Bahrain (Sakhir)| Night race 1

Pre-Season Prep

Three tests precede the season: a private one in Barcelona (Jan 26-30), then Bahrain (Feb 11-13 and Feb 18-20).

These align with major 2026 regulation changes for cars and engines, building hype after 2025's action.

Why It Matters Now

As of March 9, 2026, Round 1 is just days away—grab tickets or tune in via Sky Sports F1 for live coverage.

Fans are buzzing about new faces like Madrid's debut and Sprint twists, per forum chatter on racing sites.

TL;DR: F1 2026 starts March 6-8 in Australia —first practice Friday, qualifying Saturday, race Sunday. Full calendar at formula1.com.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.