Formula 1, Sportrik Media - The absence of Formula 1 throughout April 2026 has shifted attention to a diverse range of international motorsport categories, maintaining a busy global racing calendar.
Formula 1 was originally scheduled to host the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix during mid-April. However, both events were cancelled due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, leaving the Miami Grand Prix in early May as the next round on the F1 calendar.
Despite the lack of F1 action, endurance racing takes a central role this month. The FIA World Endurance Championship begins its season at Imola following calendar adjustments. The championship had initially planned to open in Qatar, but logistical and regional considerations prompted a relocation.
The same weekend also features the Nürburgring 24 Hours qualifying races at the Nordschleife, an important preparatory event ahead of the main endurance race. Notably, drivers such as Max Verstappen are expected to participate as part of their broader racing programmes.
GT racing returns with the opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe season at Circuit Paul Ricard on April 11. The venue, a former host of the French Grand Prix, now serves as a key platform for top-tier GT competition.
Single-seater racing remains active through the IndyCar series, which stages its fifth round of the season at Long Beach. The event shares the weekend with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, creating a multi-category racing spectacle combining open-wheel and endurance competition.
MotoGP continues its season with the fourth round at Jerez on April 25–26, marking the start of the European leg of the championship and providing a key reference point for early-season performance trends.
Additionally, April is significant for Formula E, which is set to officially launch its Gen4 car. This development represents a major technical milestone and is expected to draw attention across multiple motorsport disciplines.
Below is the full April 2026 motorsport schedule:
| Date | Category | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| April 11 | GT World Challenge Europe | Circuit Paul Ricard |
| April 18–19 | Nürburgring 24 Hours Qualifying | Nürburgring Nordschleife |
| April 18–19 | FIA World Endurance Championship | Imola |
| April 18–19 | IndyCar | Long Beach |
| April 18–19 | IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship | Long Beach |
| April 25–26 | MotoGP | Jerez |
Overall, while Formula 1 does not feature in April, the global motorsport landscape remains highly active. With endurance racing, GT competition, single-seaters, and MotoGP all in action, the month continues to play a significant role in shaping the broader 2026 racing season ahead of Formula 1’s return in Miami.
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