Verstappen, 2024, Bahrain, Red Bull, generic — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

F1 announce shock calendar shakeup for 2026

An official statement confirmed the news on Monday

Simmey Hannifin Donaldson

Monday 30 June 2025 17:00

F1 has announced a shock calendar shakeup for the 2026 season, with the introduction of three tests.

The 2026 F1 campaign is set to get underway at the Australian Grand Prix between March 6-8, but ahead of the season opener, F1 teams will undergo a thorough testing schedule.

Since 2021, F1 has held testing over three days at the Bahrain International Circuit, but in 2026, teams will have 11 full days of testing, with three in Barcelona, followed by two separate testing events in Bahrain.

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The upcoming 2026 regulation changes are some of the biggest the sport has ever seen, with drastic engine and car design changes implemented, and F1 has decided that teams will need more testing time as a result.

The first test in 2026 will be a five-day event and take place from January 26-30, whilst two three-day tests at the Bahrain International Circuit will be held on February 11-13 and February 18-20.

2026 calendar gets even longer

With the introduction of three tests, the grueling 2026 F1 calendar just got even tougher for the sport's drivers and teams.

There are already scheduled to be 24 race weekends throughout the season, spanning March to December.

The season kicks off in Australia on March 8, for example, whilst finishing up with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6.

2026 also sees the introduction of a second race in Spain, with Madrid set to host a street circuit race on September 13, subject to FIA circuit homologation.

The three grands prix in the United States are set to take place on May 3 (Miami), October 25 (Austin), and November 21 (Las Vegas).

NASCAR F1 Australian Grand Prix Azerbaijan Grand Prix Barcelona Bahrain International Circuit