Your key dates for 2026

Mark your calendars for these significant dates in the 2026 Formula 1 season

Published

05 JAN 2026

Est. reading time

3 min

2026 is finally here, and it’s a highly anticipated year in the world of Formula 1. A major regulation change could bring an equally dramatic shake-up to the order – something Atlassian Williams F1 Team are certainly looking to take advantage of.

But it’s not just the regs that are new this year. We’ve got a brand-new venue in Madrid, plus an 11th team joining the grid. Planning for this season has been years in the making, and we’ll see cars on circuit incredibly soon.

If that hasn’t whet your appetite enough, here are some key dates for the diary as we enter a new era.

Barcelona Pre-Season Test: 26th-30th January

The season starts with five days of private running at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. With such a dramatic overhaul of the regulations, these five days of behind closed doors track time will allow every team to get to grips with their new machines. Our FW48 will roll-out in the ‘Flow State’ livery, as chosen by fans.

The winning livery as chosen by our fans

Bahrain Pre-Season Test: 11th-13th February and 18th-20th February

Teams will reconvene at the Bahrain International Circuit, which will host back-to-back official tests. The first of these three-day tests will take place from 11-13 February, with the final running prior to the season opener scheduled for 18-20 February.

Season Opener - Australian GP: 6th-8th March

It will be "lights out and away we go" in early March! Melbourne once again hosts the opening round, with Albert Park once again providing the backdrop for the first real test of the new regulations. After months of anticipation, we’ll finally see where everyone stacks up when it matters.

The 2025 Australian GP was a dramatic race, what does 2026 have in store?

Alex’s Birthday: 23rd March

Not long into the season, it’s time to celebrate Alex. Falling between rounds two and three, our number 23 will be turning 30. 2026 will be Albono’s fifth season at Grove, and all going well (he doesn’t have another appendix to lose), he’ll become the driver with the most race starts for our historic team in May.

James’ Birthday: 20th June

Mid-season momentum will be in full swing by the time James Vowles celebrates his 47th birthday. With the European leg underway and development battles heating up, JV’s big day falls in between the Barcelona-Catalunya GP and our trip to Austria.

Our Home Race - British GP: 3rd-5th July

An unmissable weekend at Silverstone. Not only is it our home race, but the British Grand Prix will also feature Sprint racing in 2026, meaning more competitive action across the weekend. Add F2, F3 and F1 Academy to the bill, and you’ve got wall-to-wall racing in front of some of the most passionate fans on the calendar.

Pack for all conditions if you're heading to the British GP

Carlos’ Birthday: 1st September

Early September brings another reason to celebrate as Carlos marks his 32nd birthday. The four-time (and counting) Grand Prix winner has a lot to look forward to in 2026, including two races in Spain, the second of which…

Carlos’ Home Race - Spanish GP: 11th-13th September

Formula 1 heads to the Spanish capital in early September, with the Madring hosting the Spanish Grand Prix for the very first time. Carlos, a proud Madrileño, already had a taste of what’s to come when he drove an F1 car on the streets that will make up the new circuit last summer. Expect a special atmosphere as this brand-new venue makes its debut on the calendar.

Carlos drove the FW45 at the Madring in June 2025

Alex’s Home Race - Singapore GP: 9th-11th October

Singapore is always a physical and mental challenge for drivers, and it carries extra significance for Alex as his de facto home race. The tight walls and high humidity of F1's original night race now come with even more racing action, as Marina Bay makes its Sprint debut in 2026.

Season Finale - Abu Dhabi GP: 4th-6th December

The curtain comes down on the 2026 season in Abu Dhabi. After a year defined by new regulations, new venues, and new stories, Yas Marina hosts the final showdown. Who will be celebrating in December?

A new look for the team in Formula 1’s all-new regulations era will be unveiled on Tuesday 3 February

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