Formula 2 Announces 2026 Calendar Featuring New Madrid Street Circuit

Formula 2 has unveiled its calendar for the 2026 season, confirming a 14-round schedule that will see the championship support the Formula 1 World Championship at various venues across three continents. The upcoming season, marking the tenth running of the modern F2 era, will comprise 28 races contested by 11 teams and 22 drivers. A significant addition to the 2026 itinerary is a planned debut at a new street circuit in Madrid, Spain. This new venue is scheduled to host a round in September, subject to final FIA circuit homologation. The season is set to commence in early March in Melbourne, Australia, before the paddock moves to the Middle East for back-to-back events in April at the Bahrain International Circuit and the Jeddah Street Circuit in Saudi Arabia. The European leg of the championship will intensify through June and July. Kicking off the busy summer period will be the prestigious Monaco street race, followed closely by rounds at Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain and the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. The action then heads to Silverstone in Great Britain at the beginning of July, followed two weeks later by Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. The traditional pre-summer break event will take place at the Hungaroring in Budapest. After the summer pause, F2 returns to action in early September at Monza in Italy, immediately preceding the series' first visit to Madrid. The final European event before the end-of-season flyaways will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from September 25th to 27th. The championship will conclude with two rounds in the Middle East towards the end of the year. Lusail in Qatar is scheduled to host the penultimate event from November 27th to 29th, before the season finale unfolds at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi from December 4th to 6th. F2 leadership emphasized the championship's crucial role as a feeder series for Formula 1, highlighting its success in promoting drivers to the premier category. Racing on F1 circuits and within the Grand Prix weekend structure is seen as vital preparation for aspiring F1 stars. The calendar's design was also noted to consider the financial implications for the participating teams, aiming to manage costs effectively while maintaining a global presence. The inclusion of Madrid and the continued partnership with the Formula 1 calendar underscore F2's position as the primary stepping stone on the single-seater ladder, offering diverse challenges across a variety of renowned circuits.