Sri Lanka, it’s F1 race season – Race times are here!

By Thisanda Dharmasena (Motorsport Journalist)

At last, the wait is over. Next week, the fastest sport in the world will make a comeback as the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship kicks off with the season opening round at the storied Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
It’s not just another season.

Formula 1 begins one of the most exciting periods in its history with new cars, innovative engine regulations, sustainable fuels, and new rivalries.

Here are the Sri Lanka race times for the season,

 2026 FORMULA 1 – FULL SEASON CALENDAR
 ROUND 1 – Australia

Australian Grand Prix
 Melbourne
 March 6–8, 2026
 Race Start Time (Sri Lanka): 9:30 AM SLST

ROUND 2 – China

Chinese Grand Prix
 March 13–15
 12:30 PM SLST

ROUND 3 – Japan

Japanese Grand Prix
 March 27–29
 10:30 AM SLST

ROUND 4 – Bahrain

Bahrain Grand Prix
 April 10–12
 8:30 PM SLST

ROUND 5 – Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
 April 17–19
 10:30 PM SLST

ROUND 6 – Miami

Miami Grand Prix
 May 1–3
 1:30 AM SLST (Monday early morning)

ROUND 7 – Canada

Canadian Grand Prix
 May 22–24
 11:30 PM SLST

ROUND 8 – Monaco

Monaco Grand Prix
 June 5–7
 6:30 PM SLST

ROUND 9 – Spain (Barcelona)

Spanish Grand Prix
 June 12–14
 6:30 PM SLST

ROUND 10 – Austria

Austrian Grand Prix
 June 26–28
 6:30 PM SLST

ROUND 11 – Great Britain

British Grand Prix
 July 3–5
 7:30 PM SLST

ROUND 12 – Belgium

Belgian Grand Prix
 July 17–19
 6:30 PM SLST

ROUND 13 – Hungary

Hungarian Grand Prix
 July 24–26
 6:30 PM SLST

ROUND 14 – Netherlands

Dutch Grand Prix
 August 21–23
 6:30 PM SLST

ROUND 15 – Italy

Italian Grand Prix
 September 4–6
 6:30 PM SLST

 ROUND 16 – Madrid Debut!

Spanish Grand Prix
 September 11–13
 6:30 PM SLST

ROUND 17 – Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Grand Prix
 September 24–26
 7:30 PM SLST

ROUND 18 – Singapore (Night Race)

Singapore Grand Prix
 October 9–11
 5:30 PM SLST

ROUND 19 – United States

United States Grand Prix
 October 23–25
 12:30 AM SLST

ROUND 20 – Mexico

Mexico City Grand Prix
 October 30 – November 1
 2:30 AM SLST

ROUND 21 – Brazil

São Paulo Grand Prix
 November 6–8
 10:30 PM SLST

ROUND 22 – Las Vegas

Las Vegas Grand Prix
 November 19–21
 9:30 AM SLST

ROUND 23 – Qatar

Qatar Grand Prix
 November 27–29
 9:30 PM SLST

 SEASON FINALE – Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
 December 4–6
 8:30 PM SLST

With entirely redesigned, lighter, and smaller cars, next-generation hybrid power units with improved electrical performance, and the introduction of 100% sustainable fuel as the sport moves toward carbon neutrality, the 2026 season of Formula 1 ushers in a daring new era. The 24-race worldwide schedule, which spans from Monaco to Monza, Bahrain to Las Vegas, promises fierce competition, technological innovation, and an unprecedented championship battle. American powerhouse Cadillac has joined the grid, and the Sprint race format will continue on some weekends.