With the 2025 Formula One (F1) racing season halfway through, fans (and even teams) are already looking ahead to the 2026 season. With race dates and locations already confirmed, fans may be disappointed to see their home city removed from the calendar, others will be excited to see the Championship taking place right in on their home turf. Spanish fans in particular will fall into both these camps, with Madrid fans taking the short end of the stick this time around.
New changes for the 2026 race season
Next year, while the race calendar will see both new and familiar circuits, what is perhaps most exciting are significant rule changes and new regulations regarding aerodynamics and engine design, meaning fans are set to see brand new never-before-seen vehicles racing on the track.
“With this set of regulations the FIA has sought to develop a new generation of cars that are fully in touch with the DNA of Formula 1 – cars that are light, supremely fast and agile but which also remains at the cutting edge of technology…’ said FIA Single Seater Technical Director Nikolas Tombazis.
New updates for next year’s vehicles include cars which are set to be 30kg lighter, moveable front and rear wings, a new redesigned power unit with increased battery power and an even split between internal combustion engine and electric power as well as the use of 100% sustainable fuels, more overtaking opportunities, and stronger structures undergoing more rigorous testing to improve safety.
“The key features of the 2026 F1 Regulations are advanced, sustainability technology and safety. Our aim, together with Formula 1, was to produce a car that was right for the future of the sport’s elite category. We believe we have achieved that goal,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
These cities to welcome 2026 pre-season testing
This year, pre-season testing took place at the Bahrain International Circuit. For next year, Bahrain will welcome back the F1 teams for pre-season testing between February 11-13, as well as one Spanish city for a private test between January 26-30. While some Spanish fans who call Madrid, the country’s capital, home may be hoping for pre-season testing to take place here, the privilege will be going to Barcelona at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
However, Madrid fans have something even better coming their way. For the first time since 1981, the city will be hosting a championship race in September during the 2026 racing season. Additionally, Barcelona fans will continue to see a championship race take place in addition to the pre-season testing event in June next year.
New race contracts extended into the 2040s
Looking at playing the long-game beyond just next year’s season, two cities have confirmed contracts to extend their commitment as hosts of an F1 race. Recent addition to the F1 calendar, Miami will continue to welcome the F1 teams well into 2041. Miami first hosted an F1 race in 2022. Additionally, the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring has also recently received confirmation as a host up until 2041.
“Austria has long been an incredibly special race for Formula One so it’s fantastic we have secured the long-term future of a Grand Prix so deeply rooted in the sport’s history,” F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said.
This year, the Austrian Grand Prix provided some hope for Ferrari teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. After a disappointing result for the pair at the Canadian Grand Prix, which saw Leclerc take home fifth position and Hamilton sixth. The event saw Hamilton express some despondence for the remainder of the season, suggesting that Ferrari should focus their efforts on next year. However, Leclerc podiumed at the Austrian Grand Prix with Hamilton following right behind in fourth position, offering some positivity for the remainder of the season.
