F1
Dec 29, 2025
2026 Motorsport Season Kickoff: When F1, IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA & MotoGP Begin
A clear, chronological breakdown of season start dates for Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, Formula E, MotoGP, and WEC. Photo by:
When Does the 2026 Racing Season Start?
The 2026 racing season is a major reset for motorsport, with new rules, sustainability goals, and changes in manufacturers across different series.
Instead of having to guess, this guide puts everything in calendar order. You can easily see when each racing season starts in 2026 and which one kicks off first.
2026 Racing Season: Start Dates by Month (Quick View)
Month | Racing Series Starting |
|---|---|
January 2026 | IMSA, Formula E |
February 2026 | NASCAR |
March 2026 | Formula 1, IndyCar, MotoGP, WEC |
April 2026 | Full global schedule active |
Most big racing series kick off by March.
January 2026: The Racing Year Begins
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
IMSA usually kicks off the international racing season.
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Expected start | Late January 2026 |
Season opener | Rolex 24 at Daytona |
Racing style | Endurance / multi-class |
The Daytona 24, often viewed as the racing year's kickoff, attracts teams and drivers worldwide from many racing backgrounds.
Formula E
Formula E races happen during the winter.
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Expected start | January 2026 |
Format | Street circuits |
Season overlap | Runs alongside other series |
Formula E gets going early, filling the usual winter break we see in other racing series.
February 2026: Stock Cars Take Over
NASCAR Cup Series
NASCAR is the first big, single-focus racing championship to kick off its season.
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Expected start | Mid-February 2026 |
Season opener | Daytona 500 |
Pre-season events | Late Jan-early Feb |
For many fans, the Daytona 500 means it's officially racing season again.
March 2026: Peak Motorsport Returns
Most global motorsport events start back up in March.
Formula One
The 2026 Formula 1 season will have new tech rules.
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Expected start | Early-mid March 2026 |
Likely opener | Bahrain Grand Prix |
Key change | New power unit regulations |
2026 will be a huge year for Formula 1, with fully sustainable fuel and updated hybrid systems set to change the sport.
IndyCar Series
IndyCar's schedule is similar to F1's.
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Expected start | Early March 2026 |
Season opener | St. Petersburg GP |
Highlight event | Indianapolis 500 (May) |
IndyCar kicks off early to take advantage of better weather in North America.
MotoGP
MotoGP's race schedule is one of the most stable in motorsports.
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Expected start | Early March 2026 |
Traditional opener | Qatar Grand Prix |
Racing type | Prototype motorcycle racing |
FIA World Endurance Championship
The WEC season is kicking off in the Middle East this year.
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Expected start | March 2026 |
Season opener | Qatar 1812 km |
Flagship race | 24 Hours of Le Mans (June) |
Why the 2026 Season Start Matters
The 2026 season isn't just a fresh start on the calendar, it's a chance to:
New F1 engine regulations
Increased sustainability targets
Greater electrification across series
New manufacturer involvement
Technical convergence between road and race cars
The first races of 2026 will be key as teams get to grips with the new rules and adjust their strategies.
Which Series Starts First in 2026?
Order | Series |
|---|---|
1 | IMSA (January) |
2 | Formula E (January) |
3 | NASCAR (February) |
4 | F1, IndyCar, MotoGP, WEC (March) |
IMSA and Formula E get things going, but the racing season really takes off in March.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 F1 season start?
Formula 1 should be starting up in March of 2026.
What is the first major race of 2026?
The Rolex 24 race at Daytona happens every January.
Why does NASCAR start earlier than F1?
NASCAR's season schedule centers on winter exhibition races and the Daytona 500.
Are these dates confirmed?
Race dates might change a bit, but the month they start in usually stays the same.
Final Summary
Get ready, race fans! The 2026 season is coming in hot, kicking off earlier than you might think. Endurance and electric racing start in January, stock cars in February, and just about every big championship is back by March.
Expect some big changes for 2026 with fresh rules, tech, and a shake-up in how everyone's competing. It's more than just another season it's a whole new ballgame.
