What's still to come after the summer break?

As we enter the second half of the season, discover what’s on the horizon when Formula 1 returns from the summer break

Published

14 AUG 2026

Est. reading time

4 min

The summer break is almost over! With the final week of the Formula 1 shutdown now underway, the countdown to the return of racing is officially on and there's plenty for Atlassian Williams F1 Team fans to look forward to.

After three weeks away from the track, the paddock will reunite next weekend in Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix, kicking off the second half of the 2026 season.

And while the opening 11 Grands Prix have already given us plenty to talk about, there is still a lot more to come. From a brand new circuit to a returning fan favourite, here's five things to look out for when Formula 1 returns…

A new chapter in Madrid

Formula 1 heads to a brand new venue later this season, with Madrid set to make its debut on the calendar.

The 5.4km Madring features 22 corners and a combination of street style sections and permanent track. One of its standout sections is La Monumental, a 550m long banked corner with a maximum banking angle of 24%. Unlike Zandvoort's famous banked corners, La Monumental will be approached at speeds of up to 200km/h.

Madrid is set to provide a completely new challenge for the entire F1 field and another chance for Williams to make their mark at a new circuit.

A new home for Williams fans in Austin

The United States Grand Prix is always a highlight of the calendar, and this year our fans will have an even better way to experience the action at the Circuit of The Americas.

For the 2026 race weekend which is taking place from 23-25 October, the Atlassian Williams F1 Team will have dedicated sections in the turn 4 grandstand, giving fans prime views of one of the most popular circuits on the calendar. Want in? Tap here to grab your tickets.

There's also plenty of reason for Williams fans to be excited about returning to Austin. COTA produced a standout weekend for the team in 2025, when Carlos Sainz secured a brilliant P3 in the Sprint, while Alex Albon finished P6.

With the team continuing to build its presence in the US and a dedicated space for fans to come together, Austin is set to be another special stop on the 2026 calendar.

Returning to Malaysia

Formula 1 will make a highly anticipated return to Malaysia this October, with the Sepang International Circuit set to host the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from 02-04 October, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.

Sepang was a fixture on the F1 calendar from 1999 until 2017, making its return a chance to revisit one of the sport's most popular venues. The circuit promises another unique test for the drivers and teams.

Williams also has plenty of history at Sepang, including a memorable 1-2 finish in 2002, when Ralf Schumacher took victory ahead of teammate Juan Pablo Montoya.

It will also be a new experience for Alex Albon, who has never raced at Sepang. Carlos Sainz, however, has raced at the circuit before, competing there during his Toro Rosso days.

See More: Malaysia is back - here’s why fans and drivers love it

Three triple headers

The second half of the season will feature several busy stretches, including three triple headers, not before the championship finishes its European leg of the calendar.

The run from Azerbaijan to Malaysia and Singapore will be the first of three triple headers starting at the end of September, before two more take place in the closing rounds. With back to back races coming, these stretches will put Carlos and Alex’s skills to the test.

New milestones for Alex and Carlos

There are also some major milestones on the horizon for both of our drivers, with Alex and Carlos closing in on significant landmarks in their Formula 1 careers.

Carlos is set to make his 250th Grand Prix start in just 10 races time, while Alex is only 12 away for his 150th F1 start. Both milestones are a testament to their experience and longevity at the highest level of motorsport.

The pair will have another reason to celebrate, joining an exclusive group of drivers to reach these milestones, and plenty of opportunities to make more memorable moments.

Your ticket to Fan Appreciation

Climb the WClub tiers, earn Champion status and secure Fan Appreciation 2026 access!

Check your tier

WClub Exclusive