The year 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Formula 1, the top tier of motorsport. Following Lando Norris' victory in the 2025 championship, the sport is undergoing a major transformation with new regulations affecting both the engines and the chassis of the cars. These changes mean that all teams had to start from scratch in designing their new cars, known as monoplace. The new rules have sparked considerable debate, particularly due to the dominance of Mercedes, which has won the first three races of the season, and comparisons to the popular video game Mario Kart, where some drivers seem to have an unfair advantage. However, as the season progresses, it is expected that the competition will become more balanced.
This week, fans can watch the Spanish Grand Prix, the 14th race of the 2026 season. The event will take place from September 11 to 13, with practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself broadcast on Canal+ Sport. Free Practice 1 is scheduled for Friday, September 11, at 13:30, followed by Free Practice 2 at 17:00. On Saturday, September 12, Free Practice 3 will be at 12:30, with Qualifying at 16:00. The race is set for Sunday, September 13, at 15:00.
In France, watching Formula 1 without a subscription is no longer possible, as the broadcasting rights have been held by Canal+ since replacing TF1 several years ago. The channel uses Formula 1 as a key selling point for its subscription packages. However, some Grand Prix, like the Monaco race, are available for free. In Belgium, Formula 1 can be viewed without cost via RTBF, and in Switzerland, RTS offers free access. For French viewers, Canal+ remains the only option to watch live races, offering a range of packages that also include football, NBA, and other sports and entertainment content. The channel provides comprehensive coverage, including pre-race tests, qualifying sessions, and in-depth analysis. Canal+ has extended its broadcasting rights for Formula 1 until 2029 and offers high-quality 4K UHD broadcasts for those with the right equipment and internet connection.
For those who prefer a digital option, the F1 TV subscription service allows fans to watch races and access various features. F1 TV Access is available for €13.49 annually or €1.49 per month, offering telemetry data and other insights. The more advanced F1 TV Pro option, available only through Canal+ in France, provides Ultra HD streaming, multi-view modes, and team radio feeds. Additionally, Netflix does not broadcast Formula 1 races, but it offers the documentary series Drive to Survive, which provides an engaging look at the sport's history and personalities.
The 2026 Formula 1 season calendar includes 23 races, starting with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8 and ending with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6. Some races, such as the Canadian and British Grand Prix, will include a sprint race format, which is a shorter race held on Saturday to determine the starting grid for the main race on Sunday. The current driver standings reflect the intense competition, with Kimi Antonelli leading the pack for Mercedes, followed closely by George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Formula 1 2026 Season Underway with New Regulations and Broadcasting Details
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷Numerama



