Where to watch Formula 1 in 2026: UK TV, season preview & more

Jonathan Victoria • 18 Feb 2026 Features

Has there ever been more excitement for a season?

Find out about great Sky Sports deals from our friendly team on 0330 165 6733

2026 is primed to be a season for the ages. New cars, new regulations, new teams, all combining to produce what could be one of the most unpredictable campaigns of all time.

With one last week of pre-season testing standing between now and the season opener in Melbourne, find out where to watch Formula 1 in 2026 - and while you’re here, why not check out our season preview and get to know the new regulations.

Formula 1 on Sky Sports

As has been the case since 2012 (and will be the case until 2029), Sky Sports is the place to watch every single moment of this season for those in the UK and Ireland.

The dedicated Sky Sports F1 channel will show round-the-clock Formula 1 content - from race weekends and supporting series coverage to the F1 Show and Classic F1, there is no end to racing!

Sky has retained their presentation team for another season, with fan-favourites David “Crofty” Croft and former driver Martin Brundle remaining in the commentary box for the majority of the season.

Other more permanent and popular faces such as Ted Kravitz, Naomi Schiff, Natalie Pinkham, Bernie Collins and Rachel Brookes will be present, as will former World Champions Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg and Jacques Villeneuve, who will appear at various races throughout the year.

If you’re interested in watching (which you definitely should be), you’ll need to have or get an applicable Sky Sports package.

New customers can obtain this via pre-made packages that put together Sky TV and Sky Sports, sometimes with other services such as broadband, although you can choose the package with the inclusions you want/need.

You can also simply add it on to a different package, with the option of a 31 day rolling contract or a 24 month contract. 

As for existing customers without Sky Sports, it can be added to your Sky TV package via the add ons, with the same choice shown above available.

Channel 4 Formula 1 coverage

For those who choose not to purchase Sky Sports, Channel 4 has a sub-licence from Sky so you can watch the highlights of all races and qualifying throughout the year plus full live coverage of the British Grand Prix for free without having to purchase Sky Sports.

Formula 1 2026: Schedule

Another long 24 race season is coming for this year, starting in March and ending in December. 

There are a couple changes as well, including a new circuit joining the calendar. Two Spanish races are to come this year, with the new addition of the Madring in Madrid alongside the everpresent Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with the former being known as the Spanish Grand Prix and the latter becoming the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

One other notable change will be that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be held on the Saturday, following a request from the promoter to and the government to accommodate the nations Remembrance Day.

Sprint weekends are also still in play, with just six coming again. The races which will feature them have been marked.

Here is the full schedule for the Formula 1 2026 season: 

• Round 1 | 6th-8th March: Australian Grand Prix
• Round 2 | 13th-15th March: Chinese Grand Prix (Sprint)
• Round 3 | 27th-29th March: Japanese Grand Prix
• Round 4 | 10th-12th April: Bahrain Grand Prix
• Round 5 | 17th-19th: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
• Round 6 | 1st-3rd May: Miami Grand Prix (Sprint)
• Round 7 | 22nd-24th May: Canadian Grand Prix (Sprint)
• Round 8 | 5th-7th June: Monaco Grand Prix
• Round 9 | 12th-14th June: Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
• Round 10 | 26th-28th June: Austrian Grand Prix
• Round 11 | 3rd-5th July: British Grand Prix (Sprint)
• Round 12 | 17th-19th July: Belgian Grand Prix
• Round 13 | 24th-26th July: Hungarian Grand Prix
• Round 14 | 21st-23rd August: Dutch Grand Prix (Sprint)
• Round 15 | 4th-6th September: Italian Grand Prix
• Round 16 | 11th-13th September: Spanish Grand Prix
• Round 17 | 24th-26th September: Azerbaijan Grand Prix
• Round 18 | 9th-11th October: Singapore Grand Prix (Sprint)
• Round 19 | 23rd-25th October: United States Grand Prix
• Round 20 | 30th October-1st November: Mexican Grand Prix
• Round 21 | 6th-8th November: Brazilian Grand Prix
• Round 22 | 19th-21st November: Las Vegas Grand Prix
• Round 23 | 27th-29th November: Qatar Grand Prix
• Round 24 | 4th-6th December: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 

Formula 1 2026: Bahrain Pre-Season Testing

Prior to the start of any season, we’ll get a chance to see the cars in action in a more casual way with pre-season testing, giving time for the teams to see how their challenger for the year operates and behaves and for the drivers to get to grips with it.

This season’s pre-season has been very different to those in the past, though, with three tests in total thanks to the overhaul in regulations and the entirely new cars that they’ve had to build.

There was a preliminary shakedown in Barcelona in January, where each team (excluding Williams, who didn’t show up) got a first chance to see how the new engines work. This was a private test, with no live coverage shown during the week’s running.

A shakedown test isn’t usual for a season - in fact, three pre-season tests is very out of the ordinary. It was at the team’s request that they got this much time to check out their cars before they showed up in Melbourne.

The two standard tests emanate from their usual place of Bahrain at the Bahrain International Circuit. Test One came on the 11th-13th February, then Test Two continued proceedings the following week, 18th-20th February.

Test One was televised on Sky Sports F1 HD but only for the final hour of the day’s running. Test Two, however, will be fully televised across all three days, again on Sky Sports F1 HD. 

It will also include a Testing Wrap after each day, with the Sky F1 team running down the events of the day and giving their opinions and verdicts on what things mean for each team.

Test Two live on Sky Sports

Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th & Friday 20th (times in GMT)

• 6:50am-11:05am: Morning Session Live
• 11:55am-4:10pm: Afternoon Session Live
• 8pm: Testing Wrap

Formula 1 2026: Driver line-ups & teams

2025 saw a lot of drivers in new overalls plus six rookies taking to the grid for the first time (for a full season, important to note that for Liam Lawson). 

The big reshuffle was largely an effort from the teams to have their pieces in place and drivers comfortable in a new environment so they can better communicate and succeed come the major overhaul for 2026.

Of course, the biggest difference to the grid is that for the first time since exactly 10 seasons ago, there will be 11 teams lining up. 22 cars on track, with a brand new team joining the circus plus some rebrands and new engine units for a couple of outfits.

McLaren

Double World Champions once again for the first time since 1998, McLaren managed to retain the Constructors’ Championship in 2025 while also helping Lando Norris to claim his first Drivers’ title.

Oscar Piastri had a stellar campaign, too, proving to everyone that he has what it takes to be a future world champion, and will be hoping the team can produce once again so he can join his teammate at the pinnacle of the sport.

Mercedes

Mercedes will be glad to see the other side of the ground effects era, having never been able to find the success they experienced during the 2010s.

Many have put the German constructor as the early favourites, with George Russell leading the odds race to claim his first championship. His young teammate Kimi Antonelli will be looking to continue his development, maybe claiming his first win of his career.

Red Bull

The ground effects era started with Red Bull dominance but unfortunately ended with a fractured team. Team Principal Christian Horner was sacked during the 2025 season while chief technical officer and F1 legend Adrian Newey departed for greener pastures, amongst other key exits.

Max Verstappen remains, though, having fought valiantly for a fifth world title, falling short by just two points despite a far inferior car to Norris’ McLaren. Once again, he’ll have a new teammate on the other side of the garage, with Isack Hadjar making the jump up after an impressive debut campaign with the sister team Racing Bulls.

Ferrari

As F1’s most successful team of all time, Ferrari are always a fan favourite. A grid-busting line-up of seven-time World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, plus a renewed sense of optimism thanks to a largely positive Barcelona shakedown and first Bahrain test, has the Tifosi very hopeful for their side to reach the top once again.

Williams

It’s been a long time since Williams were challenging properly at the front of the grid and chasing championship glory, but ever since James Vowles took over, the legendary Grove has been taking some big steps forward.

For 2025, they pulled off a major signing by acquiring Carlos Sainz Jr., a four-time race winner. His experience made an instant impact, delivering two podiums in his first year plus one Sprint podium in Belgium. He’s partnered once more by former Alex Albon, who enters his fifth year with the team.

Racing Bulls

Yet another different lineup to start the year for Racing Bulls as Isack Hadjar made the jump up to the main team. He leaves behind Liam Lawson, who was demoted from Red Bull after just two races last season but did enough to keep his seat and help the team to sixth in the standings, their best finish since 2021. He’ll be joined by the only new rookie on the grid, 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad.

Aston Martin

A new dawn for Aston Martin as they leave the Mercedes-powered family. They’ll be running with Honda going forward, although if you’ve been keeping up with pre-season testing you’ll know things aren’t looking so merry for them.

Veteran Fernando Alonso is back, potentially for one last time, once again partnered with Lance Stroll and with Adrian Newey now at the helm, taking position as the Team Principal for the first time in his career.

TGR Haas

No longer the only American team on the grid, TGR Haas (Toyota Gazoo Racing Haas) fell one place in the standings from the 2024 season but outscored their points total from that year, showing how competitive the midfield got at the end of the ground effects era.

Their driver pairing remains unchanged, with one-time race winner Esteban Ocon partnering alongside sophomore Ollie Bearman.

Alpine

Alpine’s struggles over the last couple of seasons led to engine manufacturer Renault pulling out of F1. The Enstone-based team now will be powered by Mercedes, hoping for a better future.

Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto remain as the drivers for the year ahead.

Audi

Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will have the divine honour of being the first Audi drivers in F1 history, with the German side finally joining the pinnacle of motorsport.

The side arrives after a few years of fanfare, complete with their own engine and the competitive nature the manufacturer is well known for in racing.

Cadillac

Cadillac had to fight their way to join the grid but they did it and will make it an 11 team, 22 car grid for the first time since the 2016 season. They’ll be running Ferrari power for now but aim to become a power unit manufacturer starting in 2029.

Their choice for driver lineup sees them go fairly safe, going for two race-winning pedigree veterans who will no doubt bring the expertise the team will need to help them challenge in the future. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have been given the nod, both having taken a year away from racing (not by choice, mind you).

Formula 1 2026: Rule changes

Let’s get busy now, as 2026 sees a major overhaul in technical regulations. I’ll try to keep it brief and explain things as simply and as understandably as I can, but be ready for a lot!

Car shape: New lighter, slimmer & agile design

• Slimmer and lighter than before
• Wheelbase and width reduced
• Total weight dropped by ~30kg

The 2026 cars are physically smaller and lighter than the generation introduced in 2022. The maximum wheelbase has been reduced from 3600mm to 3400mm, and the overall width drops from 2000mm to 1900mm. 

That might not sound dramatic, but in Formula 1 terms it’s a big shift. The cars are also being packaged more tightly, with a narrower floor and revised bodywork, which helps reduce overall bulk. A shorter wheelbase generally improves rotation in slow corners and makes the car feel more responsive in direction changes. 

Minimum weight has been cut by roughly 30kg, bringing it down to around 768kg including the driver. Considering how much heavier modern F1 cars became in the hybrid era, this is a serious attempt to claw back agility. 

The aim is to make the cars less “bus-like” and more nimble, especially on tighter circuits like Monaco or Singapore. Lighter cars also stress the tyres less, which could improve racing consistency and reduce overheating issues in traffic.

Aerodynamics: DRS out, Active Aero in

• DRS is gone
• Active aerodynamics, with wings that can change

The traditional DRS system - where drivers press a button to open a rear wing flap in designated zones - has been completely removed for 2026. Instead of a fixed rear wing with a simple open/close function, the cars now feature active aerodynamics on both the front and rear wings, known as Active Aero.

The wings operate in two main configurations. In what’s commonly referred to as “Z Mode,” the car runs a higher downforce setup designed for cornering, keeping the wings positioned to generate maximum grip. 

On straights, the car switches to “X Mode,” which flattens elements of the front and rear wings to reduce drag and increase straight-line efficiency. Unlike DRS, this is not limited to specific zones - it is integrated into the car’s overall performance system.

The floor has also been redesigned and simplified compared to the current ground-effect-heavy cars. The aim is to reduce the intensity of the turbulent “dirty air” behind the car, which has made following closely difficult in recent seasons. 

The FIA wants cars to be able to run closer together without losing large amounts of downforce, improving natural overtaking rather than relying on artificial aids.

Power unit changes: New hybrid era

• 1.6L turbocharged V6 engine remains but with new hybrid system
• 50/50 split between engine and electric
• MGU-H removed, MGU-K gets bigger battery and output
• 100% sustainable fuels

While the 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine remains, the hybrid system has been fundamentally reworked. 

The biggest headline change is the removal of the MGU-H, the complex device that previously recovered energy from the turbocharger’s exhaust gases. This simplifies the engine significantly and reduces cost and complexity, which has helped attract new manufacturers into the sport.

The MGU-K, which recovers energy under braking, becomes far more powerful. Electrical output jumps dramatically to around 350kW, compared to roughly 120kW under the previous regulations. 

As a result, power delivery is now approximately split 50/50 between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. That is a huge philosophical shift. In the past, the engine did most of the work; now, the electric system is just as important.

Energy management becomes absolutely critical. Drivers will need to deploy electrical power strategically while also ensuring enough energy is recovered under braking. If they mismanage it, they could find themselves vulnerable on straights. To support this new hybrid emphasis, the battery systems are larger and more powerful than before.

Another major change is the introduction of 100% sustainable fuels. These fuels are designed to be carbon-neutral, created using sustainable sources rather than traditional fossil fuel extraction. This is a key part of Formula 1’s broader goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions in the coming years.

There’s already some controversy around the new fuels, with some teams finding that their suppliers have not had their 2026 fuels homologated yet - which is to say they have not been officially approved by the FIA.

At current, only those running with Shell (Ferrari, Haas and Cadillac), BP (Audi) and ExxonMobil (Red Bull and Racing Bulls) are supposedly all good. The others, most notably Mercedes who have a major partnership with Petronas, are quickly running out of time to have their fuels homologated for the opening race. If they aren’t ready, they’ll have to run a temporary fuel at a performance loss.

New overtake & boost system

• No more DRS zones
• Special boosted modes - overtake mode and boost mode/manual override

With DRS gone, overtaking assistance now comes from a couple of new specialised systems or modes, as they are called, that are possible thanks to the new boost in electrical power.

Where Active Aero act as a new advancement on DRS, these new engine modes can be seen as expanded takes on deploying ERS (energy recovery system).

Overtake Mode is available to attacking drivers who are within one second of the car in front (the same as DRS), deploying more power to instigate an overtake. This can be used whenever on track, not just in specific zones like with DRS, meaning it can be deployed all at once or strategically throughout the lap.

The Boost button, also known as Manual Override, is available when both attacking or defending, and can also be used whenever a driver would like. Rather than being a mode like Overtake Mode, this is a driver-operated energy deployment tool that delivers maximum power from the ERS.

Finally, there's Recharge, where drivers can recharge their battery with recovered energy from braking or throttle lift. Lifting and coasting has been said to be a major key to many drivers' strategies for this season, aiming to recover as much battery as possible to be able to be used for Overtake Mode and Boost. 

Cars handle & race differently

• Not as fast in a straight line but more nimble overall
• Strategic energy use will be imperative
• Race starts are a lot more complicated

Due to the combination of reduced weight, smaller dimensions, active aerodynamics and the new hybrid system, the overall feel of the 2026 cars is quite different. 

Straight-line speeds may fluctuate more depending on energy deployment, and there is greater emphasis on electrical harvesting. If the battery state is low, the car may temporarily lack full power on long straights.

This has been evident during the pre-season tests, with Bahrain’s long pit straight showcasing that even at full capacity, when deployed the drivers run out of battery barely half way down the straight, leading to dropped speeds.

However, in slower and medium-speed corners, the shorter wheelbase and lighter chassis should make the cars more agile. Drivers will need to think more about energy positioning during a lap - braking zones are no longer just about slowing the car down, but also about maximising energy recovery.

Racecraft becomes more tactical. Managing battery levels, choosing when to switch aero modes, and timing overtakes properly could matter just as much as raw pace. It introduces more variables into both qualifying and race scenarios.

Race starts have also become a talking point because the new power unit architecture (especially the removal of the MGU-H) changes how smoothly teams can control turbo speed and torque delivery right at launch.

Simply put, drivers now need to rev the engine very high for lonfer periods, sometimes as long as 10 seconds, in order to get the turbo in the right window for launch.

Multiple reports out of testing and paddock discussion say starts are expected to be more inconsistent and harder to perfect, raising both competitive and potential safety concerns if launches vary wildly across the grid. 

Safety & structure improvements

• Stronger crash-protection structures
• Lights showing hybrid status if a car stops on track
• Improved side-impact protection around the cockpit

As always with a major regulation reset, safety has also been upgraded. The crash structures around the front and side of the car have been strengthened further, particularly around the cockpit and side-impact zones. The aim is to improve energy absorption in high-speed lateral impacts.

There are also clearer high-voltage warning systems. If a car stops on track and the hybrid system remains live, improved external lighting indicators will show marshals whether the car is electrically safe to touch. This reduces the risk of electric shock incidents during recovery situations.

The survival cell and surrounding protective structures continue to evolve as well, with even stricter impact testing standards introduced for 2026. While the cars are lighter overall, this has not come at the expense of structural integrity.

Crunch talks for changes

While the second week of Bahrain testing goes on, crunch talks are scheduled to revise certain elements that many teams have encountered a problem with.

Engine regulation dispute

One of the biggest flashpoints is the engine regulation dispute centred around how 2026’s new power unit rules are written versus how some teams seem to be interpreting them. 

Under the new regulations there is a 16:1 compression ratio limit for the internal combustion engine, but Mercedes (and to a lesser extent Red Bull Powertrains) are understood to be running solutions that effectively achieve higher compression under operating temperatures than the rules seem to intend, even if they comply when measured at ambient temperature. 

This has raised eyebrows among rival manufacturers - Ferrari, Honda and Audi in particular - who argue this loophole could grant a performance advantage before a single race is run. 

To address this, the FIA convened a Power Unit Advisory Committee meeting with all five engine manufacturers to discuss potential fixes and ensure the competitive balance of the new era. There decision has been that there will be no changes as of now; however, F1's engine manufacturers will vote next week on the introduction of an additional mid-season compression ratio test.

Race start procedures

Alongside the engine debate, race start procedures have become another major talking point. Early practice sessions in Bahrain highlighted just how complicated standing starts have become with the 2026 power units. 

Without the MGU-H to keep the turbo spinning, drivers now need to manage turbo lag, clutch bite and revs for up to 10 seconds on the grid just to get ready for the lights, and teams have shown wide variability in success. 

That has prompted safety concerns and calls within the paddock to revisit the timing requirements between grid position and the start light sequence, or potentially relax restrictions on electrical deployment at low speed to make starts more consistent and safer. 

A previous bid to change the start sequence was reportedly blocked by Ferrari on the basis that teams knew the regulations when configuring their power units, and making exceptions after the fact would be unfair; however, new talks are scheduled to revisit this issue, with the FIA and teams set to discuss whether changes can - or should - be introduced.

Ferrari’s reluctance for change isn’t out of spite or anything like that. Team Principal Frederic Vasseur had been voicing his concerns over this issue as early as last season, with the other teams brushing off his warnings.

Now, they’ve come to testing and found out that Vasseur’s words are ringing true, and are unhappy about this. While Ferrari have largely developed a fix for this issue since they identified it and worked on it, the other teams are looking for things to change for them.