The FIA has confirmed updated race start times for several events remaining in the 2026 Formula 1 season. These adjustments follow earlier calendar announcements and address specific logistical and regional considerations. The changes primarily affect the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, alongside other previously established timings.
The Bahrain Grand Prix, originally scheduled for Sakhir in April, was cancelled due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It has now been relocated to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. This event will run from October 2 to October 4, retaining its original name.
The race on Sunday, October 4, at Sepang, will commence at 3 PM local time. This translates to an 8 AM start for viewers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and 9 AM in Central Europe.
Further alterations impact the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Sunday race on September 27 clashes with Azerbaijan’s national remembrance day. Consequently, the schedule has been modified to accommodate this.
For the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, Free Practice 1 and 2 will now take place on Thursday. Free Practice 3 and qualifying sessions are scheduled for Friday. The Grand Prix itself will be held on Saturday, September 26, starting at 3 PM local time.
The 2026 Formula 1 season features a 24-round calendar, which began with the Australian Grand Prix in March and is set to conclude with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December. The calendar includes the debut of the Madrid Grand Prix from September 11-13.
Improvements to the geographical flow of races were implemented this season, with the Canadian Grand Prix following Miami. This creates a more consolidated European leg during the summer months.
Six race weekends this season incorporate the Sprint format. These include events in China, Miami, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Singapore.
The 2026 season also introduced new technical regulations and the use of 100% advanced sustainable fuels. These regulations have influenced race start procedures.
The removal of the MGU-H component from the power units has reintroduced ‘turbo lag,’ making race starts more challenging for drivers. The turbocharger now relies solely on exhaust gases for spooling.
Drivers are required to rev their engines for approximately ten seconds to ensure the turbo is at optimal speed for a lag-free launch. This demands precise timing and control.
To address these complexities, the FIA implemented an additional five-second pre-start allowance in the sequence. This provides drivers with more time to prepare for the lights-out procedure.
Early in the season, energy management during formation laps presented challenges. A rule limiting maximum recharge allowance per lap affected drivers, particularly those at the front of the grid.
The Miami Grand Prix earlier this season saw its start time moved forward by three hours to 1:00 PM local time. This decision was made due to forecasted thunderstorms and local legislation in Florida.
As of August 5, 2026, upcoming races include the Dutch Grand Prix (August 21-23), the Italian Grand Prix (September 4-6), and the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid (September 11-13).
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix (September 25-27) and the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia (October 2-4) follow. Singapore (October 9-11) and the United States Grand Prix in Austin (October 23-25) are also scheduled.
Further events include Mexico (October 30 – November 1), Brazil (November 6-8), Las Vegas (November 19-21), Qatar (November 27-29), and the season finale in Abu Dhabi (December 4-6).
There remains some uncertainty regarding the final two race weekends in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Contingency plans are in place, with a decision expected by mid-September.
