The 2026 motorsport calendar is shaping up for a MotoGP and Formula 1 clash like never before, with fans preparing for nine weekends when both series will compete on the same dates. As both championships expand their schedules and intensify global excitement, races will overlap, challenging motorsport fans’ loyalties while offering the chance to watch two action-packed events back-to-back thanks to strategic scheduling.
Fierce Competition Returns with Overlapping Calendars
Following the format introduced for the 2025 season, the 2026 motorsport world will again witness multiple weekends where MotoGP and Formula 1 races coincide. The anticipation is high among fans and insiders as the adrenaline-fueled events are set to unfold across famous circuits worldwide. Despite these MotoGP and Formula 1 clash weekends, fans will be able to enjoy both championships, with organizers taking full advantage of time zones and staggered starting times to minimize direct overlaps and maximize the viewing experience.
March 29: Season Opens with Japan vs. USA
The action begins with a dramatic opener on March 29, where Formula 1’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka and MotoGP’s Americas GP in Austin, Texas lead the charge. With a considerable time difference between the two circuits—F1 getting underway at 07:00 European time and MotoGP starting at 21:00—motorsport fans have ample opportunity to catch both races in their entirety.
April 12: Middle Eastern Excitement in Bahrain and Qatar
April 12 brings the next major overlap as Formula 1 heads to the Bahrain International Circuit, while MotoGP races at Qatar’s Losail International Circuit. This dual Middle Eastern race weekend promises drama and high speeds, with F1 lights out at 17:00 and MotoGP launching at 19:00. The narrow scheduling gap allows viewers to seamlessly transition from Bahrain’s circuit to the bright floodlights of Losail.
June 7: Glamour and Grit in Monaco and Hungary
On June 7, two classic races will captivate audiences—Formula 1’s celebrated stop in Monte Carlo and MotoGP’s high-octane showdown in Hungary. With MotoGP scheduled for a 14:00 start and F1 commencing at 15:00, motorcycle and car racing enthusiasts can experience both events with minimal overlap, moving from Hungary’s conclusion straight to the Monaco streets.
June 28: A Duel in Austria and the Netherlands
The battle continues on June 28 when Formula 1 races through Austria and MotoGP tears up the track in the Netherlands. The one-hour separation remains, with MotoGP leading at 14:00 and Formula 1 following at 15:00, giving fans another opportunity to witness both major events in a single afternoon.
September 13: Madrid and San Marino Spark Post-Summer Thrills
Returning from the summer break, September 13 serves up fresh excitement as Formula 1 makes its way to Madrid and MotoGP takes over San Marino. The coordination continues—MotoGP kicks off at 14:00 before F1 races begin at 15:00—giving motorsport fans a full afternoon of high-stakes action.
October 11: Singapore and Indonesia Deliver a Day of Racing
A unique back-to-back unfolds on October 11, combining Formula 1’s dazzling night race in Singapore with MotoGP’s stint in Indonesia. This time, direct overlap is avoided: MotoGP launches at 09:00, and Formula 1 electrifies Singapore’s streets at 14:00. Viewers can devote their morning and afternoon to back-to-back major events without missing a beat.
October 25: United States and Australia Serve a Time Zone Test
October 25 presents a time zone challenge as Formula 1 races in the USA while MotoGP goes head-to-head in Australia. With MotoGP’s early 06:00 AM European start and F1’s much later 21:00 kickoff, motorsport fans will need to adjust their schedules, but they’re rewarded with a full day’s worth of competition on opposite sides of the world.
November 1: Day-Long Competition from Mexico and Malaysia
November begins with another marathon day as Formula 1 travels to Mexico and MotoGP visits Malaysia. Fans will start early with MotoGP at 08:00 AM, then wind down the day with Formula 1’s 21:00 contest, capitalizing on global time differences to enjoy two iconic races hours apart.
November 22: Grand Finales in Las Vegas and Valencia
The climactic weekend arrives on November 22, when both championships stage their season finales—Formula 1 in Las Vegas and MotoGP in Valencia. Formula 1’s Las Vegas event starts at 05:00 European time, with MotoGP roaring into action at 14:00, making for an all-day celebration of motorsport as seasons conclude in two distinctive cities.
New Challenges and Opportunities for Motorsport Fans
For diehard fans and casual observers alike, the 2026 season’s schedule demonstrates the evolution and global reach of both MotoGP and Formula 1. Riders such as Morbidelli and Di Giannantonio, organizations like Ducati and VR46 Academy, and racing legends including Valentino Rossi will be in the spotlight at pivotal events across iconic venues from Japan and Austin to San Marino and Valencia. Motorsport fans can expect a thrilling ride with carefully coordinated start times, ensuring the most passionate supporters need not choose between their favorite championships. The excitement surrounding this MotoGP and Formula 1 clash is likely to shape future seasons and inspire new levels of global engagement in motorsport.
