F1 bosses announce huge changes to 2026 season with new race and iconic GP axed
The 2025 F1 season is far from finished but chiefs have already confirmed a host of changes for next term with an iconic race having been cut from the calendar which will start next March
F1 chiefs have announced a fresh 2026 calendar, with Imola among the casualties. While the 2025 season is far from finished, work has already begun on next term.
And the calendar for the new season has already been announced, with chiefs confirming a few major changes. Imola has been cut from the schedule entirely, having first been introduced in 2020. Lewis Hamilton claimed victory in its debut appearance with Max Verstappen having won every race since then apart from in 2023 when floods in the region saw the GP cancelled.
Imola's axe is not the only major change to the schedule confirmed by bosses. Madrid has also been introduced to the schedule across the weekend of September 11-13.
The season will get underway in Australia across March 6-8 due to Ramadan, meaning the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs will be held in April. The 2026 campaign will conclude in Abu Dhabi across the weekend of December 4-6.
Speaking about the changes, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: '2026 will be a new era for Formula 1 where we will witness a brand-new set of regulations for our sport, the cars and the engines that will be powered by 100% sustainable fuel.
"We are excited to welcome Madrid to the calendar, and to see huge automotive brands like Audi, Cadillac and Ford join the Formula 1 grid.
'It promises to be an unforgettable season, where once again we will come together at 24 amazing global venues to watch the best drivers in the world push themselves to the limit and produce incredible wheel to wheel racing for our millions of fans watching around the globe.
'I want to thank all our fans for their passionate support and the FIA, with all the volunteers, marshals and officials, as well as the promoters, partners, sponsors, host cities and the local motor racing federations for their commitment and support in delivering this schedule in what I know will be another historic year for Formula 1.'
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, added: 'Next year's FIA Formula One World Championship marks a significant new chapter for our sport. A new race, new teams, and the arrival of new manufacturers, all ushering in a fresh era of innovation and competition.
'With 24 Grands Prix across five continents, the season truly reflects the global nature of our community, while the improved geographical flow of the calendar shows our joint commitment to making the championship more efficient and sustainable.
'The debut of Madrid, the arrival of iconic brands like Audi, Cadillac, and Ford, and the introduction of the next generation of F1 cars powered by 100% advanced sustainable fuels signal an exciting new era of racing.
'My thanks to everyone involved in putting on this incredible season and in delivering a calendar that continues to drive the sport forward on all fronts. And, my thanks to the fans whose passion and unwavering support keep the spirit of our sport alive.'
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