The 2026 Formula 1 season kicks off this week, offering fans the ability to follow every race live on just one channel. The championship begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6 to 8, where reigning champion Lando Norris will defend his title against prominent contenders Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. This season’s schedule includes 24 races spanning from March through to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 4 to 6, promising an intense competition and fresh challenges.
Changes to the Race Calendar and Teams Highlight 2026 Season
This year introduces notable adjustments to the Formula 1 calendar, including the addition of a brand-new city circuit in Madrid set for September. This latest venue replaces Imola, which has been removed from the schedule. The racing grid will also expand with the entry of American manufacturer Cadillac, bringing the total number of teams to 11—a milestone not seen in over ten years, according to the Daily Mirror. These updates add a layer of excitement and unpredictability to this eagerly awaited season.
Where to Watch: Sky Sports Holds Exclusive Broadcasting Rights
Formula 1 fans will be able to catch each practice session, qualifying round, and race live on Sky Sports, primarily through the dedicated Sky Sports F1 channel. Viewers without a Sky subscription can opt for the provider’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, priced at £35 per month. This package not only includes access to the nine sports channels dedicated to F1 and Premier League coverage but also offers around 100 standard TV channels alongside Netflix and discovery+.
The Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle, costing £42 monthly, adds 35 extra channels and includes streaming services such as Disney+, HBO Max, and Hayu at no additional cost starting from March. Existing Sky customers can also subscribe directly to Sky Sports F1 at a reduced rate of £15 per month, down from £20, under a 31-day rolling contract that allows cancellation with 31 days’ notice.
Alternative Access Options and Pricing Considerations
In addition to Sky, Virgin Media offers Sky Sports access as part of its Sport bundle for £52.99 per month, which includes over 200 channels and a 362 Mbps fibre broadband service. EE customers can access Sky Sports channels through Now Sports, with an EE TV Entertainment package available for £39.99 monthly and locked pricing until April 2027, which can be combined with their Full Fibre 100 broadband.
It is important for customers to note that Sky and Virgin Media are expected to raise their subscription fees annually, potentially increasing costs twice during typical 24-month contracts. This pricing trend might affect budgeting decisions for those planning to follow the full Formula 1 2026 season.
Full 2026 Formula 1 Race Calendar
- Australia: March 6-8
- China: March 13-15
- Japan: March 27-29
- Bahrain: April 10-12
- Saudi Arabia: April 17-19
- Miami: May 1-3
- Canada: May 22-24
- Monaco: June 5-7
- Barcelona: June 12-14
- Austria: June 26-28
- Great Britain: July 3-5
- Belgium: July 17-19
- Hungary: July 24-26
- Netherlands: August 21-23
- Italy: September 4-6
- Madrid: September 11-13
- Azerbaijan: September 24-26
- Singapore: October 9-11
- USA: October 23-25
- Mexico: October 30-November 1
- Brazil: November 6-8
- Las Vegas: November 19-21
- Qatar: November 27-29
- Abu Dhabi: December 4-6
Implications for Fans and Future Viewership
With all races consolidated onto a single channel, followers of Formula 1 in 2026 benefit from streamlined access and consistent coverage, heightening engagement opportunities throughout the season. The introduction of a new venue and an additional team could shift competitive dynamics, raising anticipation among viewers. As subscription prices adjust over time, fans may need to assess packages carefully to maintain full season access, especially with broadcasting rights held exclusively by Sky Sports. The season’s unfolding narrative and evolving broadcast landscape together will shape the experience of this high-stakes campaign.
