F1 2026 Calendar and Start Times Confirmed, Canada Adjusts for Indy 500

Formula 1 has announced its full 2026 calendar and race start times, alongside the confirmed Sprint schedule. A key adjustment includes the Canadian Grand Prix shifting its slot and start time to avoid a direct clash with the Indianapolis 500.

Why it matters

This calendar revision aims to allow motorsport enthusiasts to watch both the iconic Indianapolis 500 and the F1 race on the same day, enhancing viewer options for major racing events.

The big picture

The 2026 season continues F1's regionalization efforts and introduces new venues to the Sprint race format, alongside a significant reshuffle of traditional race slots.

The details

• Monaco's Move: The Monaco Grand Prix shifts from late-May to early June, with the Canadian Grand Prix now occupying the May 22-24 weekend, part of F1’s regionalization plan.
• Indy 500 Accommodation: The Canadian Grand Prix race on May 24 moves to a 4 PM local start, two hours later than usual. This allows for viewing of the Indianapolis 500, traditionally starting at 12:45 PM Eastern, which typically concludes in about three hours.
• Sprint Calendar:
  • China and Miami return as Sprint hosts.
  • Montreal, Zandvoort, and Singapore debut as Sprint venues; Silverstone returns after 2021.
• New Madrid Grand Prix: The new Madrid street circuit features typical European timings: 4 PM for qualifying, 3 PM for the race.
• Night Races: Six night races are planned, from Bahrain to the Abu Dhabi season finale.

Full F1 2026 Calendar with Local Start Times

*Denotes Sprint round. All start times are local.

• March 6-8: Australian Grand Prix (4 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• *March 13-15: Chinese Grand Prix (11 AM Sprint, 3 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• March 27-29: Japanese Grand Prix (3 PM qualifying, 2 PM race)
• April 10-12: Bahrain Grand Prix (7 PM qualifying, 6 PM race)
• April 17-19: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (8 PM qualifying, 8 PM race)
• *May 1-3: Miami Grand Prix (12 PM Sprint, 4 PM qualifying, 4 PM race)
• *May 22-24: Canadian Grand Prix (12 PM Sprint, 4 PM qualifying, 4 PM race)
• June 5-7: Monaco Grand Prix (4 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• June 12-14: Spanish Grand Prix (4 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• June 26-28: Austrian Grand Prix (4 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• *July 3-5: British Grand Prix (4 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• July 17-19: Belgian Grand Prix (4 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• July 24-26: Hungarian Grand Prix (4 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• *August 21-23: Dutch Grand Prix (12 PM Sprint, 4 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• September 4-6: Italian Grand Prix (4 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• September 11-13: Madrid Grand Prix (4 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• September 25-27: Azerbaijan Grand Prix (4 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• *October 9-11: Singapore Grand Prix (5 PM Sprint, 9 PM qualifying, 8 PM race)
• October 23-25: United States Grand Prix (4 PM qualifying, 3 PM race)
• October 30-November 1: Mexico City Grand Prix (3 PM qualifying, 2 PM race)
• November 6-8: Sao Paulo Grand Prix (3 PM qualifying, 2 PM race)
• November 19-21: Las Vegas Grand Prix (8 PM qualifying, 8 PM race)
• November 27-29: Qatar Grand Prix (9 PM qualifying, 7 PM race)
• December 4-6: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (6 PM qualifying, 5 PM race)

What's next

Fans can look forward to a dynamic 2026 F1 season with a reshaped calendar, new Sprint venues, and optimized scheduling for major global motorsport events.