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Author: Joe Horne

Formula 1 2026 Schedule: 24 Races, New Rules, and the Return of Madrid 

Posted on by Joe Horne

Formula 1 has announced a revamped race calendar for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship. Drivers and teams will take on another 24-round season, now accompanied by a new set of technical regulations and the introduction of 100% sustainable fuels. 

Alongside the sustainability push, Formula 1 has confirmed major changes to car design for 2026. The new generation of cars will be lighter and smaller, reducing both weight and overall dimensions to improve agility and racing dynamics. This adjustment aims to enhance close racing, make overtaking easier, and reduce the aerodynamic “dirty air” effect, all while supporting the sport’s drive toward greater efficiency and sustainability.

A major highlight is the debut of Madrid’s Ifema Circuit on 13th September, replacing Imola and marking F1’s return to the Spanish capital after 45 years. Nicknamed “Madring” the modern street circuit is designed to host over 110,000 spectators. The Madrid Grand Prix will be the final European race of the season before the championship moves on to Azerbaijan.

Barcelona will also feature on the calendar, scheduled for mid-June. However, 2026 will mark its final appearance under the current contract with Formula 1. 

Shanghai makes a long-anticipated return on 13th March at the Shanghai International Circuit, reintroducing Chinese fans to live Grand Prix action. Adding to the excitement, Audi, Cadillac, and Ford are set to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026, signaling a new era of competition and innovation.  

The 2026 season will also feature six Formula 1 Sprint races, with Shanghai and Miami retaining their slots, while the Canadian Grand Prix hosts its first-ever sprint in Montreal. Silverstone returns to the sprint schedule for the first time since 2021, with Zandvoort and Singapore also making their sprint debuts. The sprint format is a 100km race on Saturday, awarding points to the top eight drivers. This mix of established venues and exciting new additions ensures fans will enjoy more wheel-to-wheel action across the season.

In acknowledgment of Ramadan, Formula 1 has once again scheduled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix for April. 

Formula 1 2026 Season

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Formula 1 2026 Calendar

Round 1 – Australia – March 6-8 

Round 2 – China – March 13-15 

Round 3 – Japan – March 27-29 

Round 4 – Bahrain – April 10-12 

Round 5 – Saudi Arabia – April 17-19 

Round 6 – USA – May 1-3 

Round 7 – Canada – May 22-24 

Round 8 – Monaco – June 5-7 

Round 9 – Spain – June 12-14 

Round 10 – Austria – June 26-28 

Round 11 – United Kingdom – July 3-5 

Round 12 – Belgium – July 17-19 

Round 13 – Hungary – July 24-26 

Round 14 – Netherlands – August 21-23 

Round 15 – Italy – September 4-6 

Round 16 – Spain – September 11-13 

Round 17 – Azerbaijan – September 25-27 

Round 18 – Singapore – October 9-11 

Round 19 – USA – October 23-25 

Round 20 – Mexico – October 30 – November 1 

Round 21 – Brazil – November 6-8 

Round 22 – USA – November 19 – 21 

Round 23 – Qatar – November 27-29 

Round 24 – Abu Dhabi – December 4-6 

Christmas Day Sporting Events

Posted on by Joe Horne

Here at Engage, we know how much you love your sport, just like we do. And if you’re looking for something to enjoy while your Christmas dinner settles, here’s your rundown of all the sporting action happening around the world on Christmas Day 2025. 

In the UK, traditional Christmas Day fixtures have long faded into history. The last English football match on December 25 was played back in 1965, with Scotland following suit in the 1970s. Nowadays, Boxing Day has become the main stage for festive sport, leaving Christmas Day free for family time, unless you’re watching from abroad. 

But across the Atlantic and Down Under, there’s still plenty of Christmas action to keep you entertained. 

NBA

The NBA’s Christmas Day schedule once again features some of the league’s biggest names and fiercest rivalries. The 2025 slate includes New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers, alongside headline fixtures like Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks. 

Tip-off for the first game begins around 5 pm GMT, making for the perfect festive afternoon viewing in the UK. You can find the full list of fixtures via the official NBA key dates page. 

NFL

The NFL also joins the Christmas Day lineup with two huge regular-season games. According to the official 2025 NFL schedule, the day will feature Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys followed by Minnesota Vikings v Detroit Lions, with kick-offs set for 6 pm GMT and 9.30 pm GMT respectively. 

Cricket

For the night owls, the Fourth Test of The Ashes begins late on Christmas Day UK time. As reported by Sky Sports, England face Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, starting at 11.30 pm GMT. With the series poised at a crucial stage, this match could prove decisive in England’s bid to reclaim the urn for the first time Down Under since 2010/11, led by Ben Stokes and a new-look squad hungry for redemption. 

If you’re looking to experience the Ashes in 2027, enquire now and we’ll be in touch with further details in due course.

Football over the Festive Period 

This Christmas brings a slight change to one of the game’s oldest traditions, with just one Premier League fixture scheduled for Boxing Day 2025. The honour falls to Manchester United vs Newcastle United at Old Trafford, kicking off at 20:00 GMT. While this is a departure from the usual full day of action, it promises to be a blockbuster clash between two sides with European ambitions. 

The Premier League’s decision to scale back Boxing Day fixtures is due to the “expansion” of European competitions, meaning the rest of the week’s matches will instead take place over the weekend (27–28 December). For those wanting to experience the festive atmosphere first-hand, Engage Hospitality offers premium packages across top Premier League venues.  

Everton v Arsenal – 20th December 

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool – 20th December 

Aston Villa v Manchester United – 21st December 

Fulham v Nottingham Forest – 22nd December 

Arsenal v Brighton – 27th December  

Liverpool v Wolves – 27th December 

Arsenal v Aston Villa – 30th December   

Darts 

No British Christmas sporting calendar would be complete without the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, a staple of festive entertainment. The tournament runs from 11th December 2025 to 3rd January 2026, with plenty of drama, walk-ons, and world-class arrows to enjoy over the holidays. 

While there are no matches on Christmas Day itself, the action resumes on Boxing Day, making it a perfect way to unwind after a festive feast. Fans can expect electric crowds, colourful fancy dress, and the best players in the world, including reigning champion Luke Littler, as he looks to defend his title on home soil. 

Howden Christmas Racing Weekend – Ascot  

For the horse racing fans, the Howden Christmas Racing Weekend at Ascot provides one of the most atmospheric race days of the season. Taking place on the 19th and 20th December 2025, the event combines high-quality National Hunt racing with festive cheer, live entertainment, and seasonal food and drink. It’s a highlight for both racing enthusiasts and those seeking a stylish pre-Christmas day out. 

Click here for more information. 

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