Qatar To Host Penultimate Round As Formula 1 Announces 2026 Calendar

Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Grand Prix returns as a crucial penultimate round fixture as the Formula 1 governing body yesterday announced an action-packed calendar for next season.

Scheduled for November 27–29, the race will once again electrify the Lusail International Circuit under the iconic floodlights.

The action-packed season will be flagged off at the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne's Albert Park street circuit on March 6-8.

Spain will host two Formula One grands prix in 2026, with the new race in Madrid joining Barcelona. The race in the Spanish capital Madrid is on September 11-13 and will bring the curtain down on the European segment of the season.

The new Madrid circuit will have both street and non-street sectors.

As the season reaches its climax, the Qatar Grand Prix returns as a pivotal late-season fixture. Positioned just one week after the glitzy Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Qatar event is strategically placed to be a critical battleground in the championship run-in.

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The 24-weekend campaign will again conclude in Abu Dhabi, on December 4-6. Montreal in Canada will now follow Miami in May to cut down on travelling for the teams.

The 2026 season promises to look radically different with Cadillac becoming the 11th team on the grid and sweeping new regulations on aerodynamics and power units.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of motorsport's governing body, the FIA, said:“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.”

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