Formula 1 2026 Season: Your Complete Guide to Live TV Coverage
The highly anticipated 2026 Formula 1 season roars into action this week, marking the start of a thrilling championship battle. Defending champion Lando Norris will face fierce competition from rivals like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, beginning at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8. This season promises excitement with 24 rounds spanning the globe, culminating in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 4-6.
Major Changes and New Additions for 2026
The 2026 F1 calendar introduces significant updates that will captivate fans worldwide. A brand-new street circuit in Madrid joins the schedule in September, replacing the Imola round. Additionally, the grid expands to 11 teams for the first time in a decade with the entry of American manufacturer Cadillac, adding fresh competition to the mix.
How to Watch Every Race Live on TV
Formula 1 enthusiasts can enjoy comprehensive live coverage of all 24 race weekends exclusively on Sky Sports. The dedicated Sky Sports F1 channel broadcasts every practice session, qualifying round, and Grand Prix live throughout the season.
For viewers without an existing Sky subscription, access is available through the provider's flagship sports package. The £35 Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes nine dedicated sports channels, featuring F1 and Premier League coverage, along with approximately 100 standard channels, Netflix, and discovery+.
Customers opting for the £42 Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle receive 35 additional channels, plus complimentary access to Disney+, HBO Max, and Hayu starting in March.
Flexible Subscription Options for Existing Customers
Current Sky customers can add Sky Sports F1 to their package more affordably, as the monthly subscription fee has recently decreased from £20 to £15. This 31-day rolling contract offers flexibility, allowing cancellation at any time with 31 days' notice.
Alternatively, Virgin Media provides Sky Sports access through its £52.99 Sport bundle. While priced higher than Sky's options, this package includes over 200 channels and 362Mbps fibre broadband.
It is important to note that both Sky and Virgin Media typically implement annual price increases. Customers on 24-month contracts should anticipate at least two bill rises during the agreement period.
Complete 2026 Formula 1 Race Schedule
Below is the full calendar for the 2026 F1 season, detailing each Grand Prix weekend:
- 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
With these viewing options and a packed schedule, fans are set for an exhilarating season of Formula 1 action from start to finish.
