Formula 1 has confirmed that Madrid will host its first-ever Grand Prix in 2026, replacing Imola and concluding an uninterrupted European leg of the championship.
In a major shake-up of the Formula 1 calendar, Madrid is set to make its debut as a Grand Prix host on 11–13 September 2026, stepping in to replace Italy’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. The race will be the second in Spain next season, joining the long-standing event at Barcelona, and will serve as the final race of an uninterrupted European run before the championship heads intercontinental.
The 2026 season remains capped at 24 races, with several scheduling changes introduced to support logistical efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with F1’s environmental goals ahead of its move to 100% sustainable fuel engines.
Strategic Calendar Shifts for Efficiency
One of the most significant calendar revisions is the rearrangement of the early summer races. Traditionally staged in early June, the Canadian Grand Prix will now take place on 22–24 May, directly after the Miami Grand Prix on 1–3 May. This move minimizes transatlantic freight journeys and allows F1 to streamline logistics, with some equipment traveling directly from Miami to Montreal.
This reshuffle also shifts the Monaco Grand Prix to 5–7 June, slightly later than its traditional May date. The Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona retains its slot on 12–14 June, fulfilling the final year of its current contract before likely stepping aside for Madrid to become Spain’s sole host in future seasons.
A European Summer Sprint
From Monaco in early June through to Madrid in mid-September, the calendar delivers a tightly packed European summer. Fans can expect a classic continental run with back-to-back races in 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), and finally Madrid (11–13 September).
After Madrid, the championship heads into the intercontinental phase starting with Azerbaijan on 25–27 September, followed by a mix of Asian, North and South American, and Middle Eastern rounds.
Why Imola Was Dropped
Despite hosting a record-breaking 242,000 fans in 2025, the Imola Grand Prix has been dropped. Formula 1 has publicly stated that 24 races is the optimal number—allowing for global expansion without overstretching teams and logistics. While Imola had strong backing from the Emilia-Romagna region and Italy’s government, the decision reflects a growing push to limit countries to one race per season.
Imola’s modern return in 2020 was pandemic-induced, when travel restrictions forced F1 to focus on European venues. Its recent removal is part of a wider trend affecting historic European races as F1’s global footprint expands.
The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which returned in 2021, will also host its final race in 2026 on 21–23 August, while Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium will enter a rotating schedule, hosting only four Grands Prix between 2026 and 2031.
Full 2026 Formula 1 Race Calendar
- Australia – 6–8 March
- China – 13–15 March
- Japan – 27–29 March
- Bahrain – 10–12 April
- Saudi Arabia – 17–19 April
- Miami (USA) – 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 (Monza) – 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 (USA) – 19–21 November
- Qatar – 27–29 November
- Abu Dhabi – 4–6 December
The final stretch of the calendar remains packed with consecutive triple-headers: Austin-Mexico-Brazil, then Las Vegas-Qatar-Abu Dhabi, ensuring an action-filled climax to the season.
The Future of European Races in Doubt?
The arrival of Madrid and departure of Imola and Zandvoort highlight an uncomfortable reality for many European venues: their place in Formula 1 is no longer guaranteed. The sport’s increasing demand in Asia, the Middle East, and North America, alongside interest from Africa, means European tracks are under more pressure than ever.
Thailand is pushing to host a Grand Prix in Bangkok, while projects in South Africa, Morocco, and even Rwanda have faced challenges, particularly with funding and infrastructure.
The situation in Spain, where both Madrid and Barcelona will host races next year, is a temporary overlap. From 2027 onward, Barcelona is expected to rotate or be dropped entirely.
A Cleaner, Smarter Era for F1
The calendar revisions for 2026 reflect F1’s continued commitment to sustainability, both environmentally and structurally. By aligning races regionally, reducing travel demands, and preparing for the introduction of net-zero carbon power units, Formula 1 is positioning itself for a greener, more efficient future.
Madrid’s debut is more than just a new race—it’s a symbol of how the sport is evolving, racing into a new era with speed, precision, and sustainability at the forefront.
Written By Joe Brens
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