2023 Formula 1 Season Preview: Start Dates, Grand Prix Schedule & Key Races

Formula 1 fans have waited months for the 2023 season, and the off-season chatter already built momentum for what promises to be an exciting year. Red Bull Racing, led by a dominant campaign in 2022, aims to defend its title with Max Verstappen at the center of the action. The Dutch driver, paired with the Austrian team, looks to reaffirm his status as one of the sport’s standout talents in recent years and to push for another championship while also courting the spotlight as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton remains in the headlines as he continues the pursuit of more trophies. With Mercedes, he plans to showcase a clear strategy to challenge Red Bull and reclaim a peak position on the podium. The Briton’s goal is to add a historic eighth world title to his resume, a record that would cement his place as the most decorated driver in the sport’s history. As the calendar evolves, the schedule continues to attract fans across continents, and the 2023 season introduces new thrills while staying faithful to the traditions that shape Formula 1. One notable addition is the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a setting intended to deliver a spectacle reminiscent of a video game, with lights, speed, and spectacle playing out on the streets of the famed Nevada city.

For enthusiasts who want to stay ahead of every twist and turn this year, here are the essential details to know. From race dates to the venues that will define the chase for the championship, this guide captures the core moments that will steer the season. It is written to inform fans, casual viewers, and newcomers alike about what to watch, where to be, and when the action will unfold.

When does the 2023 F1 season start?

The 2023 Formula 1 season kicks off on the weekend spanning March 3 to March 5. Drivers will hit the track in racing suits and helmets, ready to push their cars to the limit. The Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit serves as the opening act, a venue known for mixing high speeds with demanding corner work that tests both driver skill and car reliability.

Grand Prix dates 2023

March 3 – Bahrain Grand Prix. The opener sets the tone for the year, with teams evaluating new components and strategies under the pressure of a fresh season.

March 19 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. A race that brings night lights and a desert backdrop, challenging teams with a combination of long straights and tight sections that test brake management and tire strategy.

March 31 – Australian Grand Prix. A return to the traditional season curtain-raiser in Melbourne introduces a mix of street and parkland settings, presenting a unique aero and mechanical balance challenge for the cars.

April 30 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Baku street circuit emphasizes precision driving, energy management for the tires, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing track conditions.

May 7 – Miami Grand Prix. A city showcase that blends modern hospitality with a high-speed layout; teams focus on optimizing pit stops and race pacing to maximize points.

May 21 – Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. A traditional European sprint on the asphalt of a historic region, where car setup, engine power, and braking performance play pivotal roles.

May 28 – Monaco Grand Prix. The tight confines of the principality demand flawless driving, meticulous setup, and a clever qualifying performance to secure a strong position.

June 4 – Spanish Grand Prix. A home race for many teams that combines high-speed straights with demanding corners, offering a crucial test for ride height, aerodynamics, and tire wear.

June 18 – Canadian Grand Prix. A street-based circuit with long straights and tight turns, where energy recovery systems and grip management can shift the balance between overtakes and clean laps.

July 2 – Austrian Grand Prix. A fast, high-altitude circuit that rewards engine performance and smooth throttle control for sustained speed through the sweeping corners.

July 9 – British Grand Prix. A traditional summer favorite that blends quick laps, pit strategy, and the ever-present possibility of changing weather affecting grip and race tactics.

July 23 – Hungarian Grand Prix. A compact circuit where small margins decide race outcomes; teams focus on balance and brake performance for the demanding middle sector.

July 30 – Belgian Grand Prix. A legendary challenge marked by unpredictable weather, high-speed sections, and a need for relentless mental and mechanical focus.

August 27 – Dutch Grand Prix. Home crowd energy combines with a modern circuit that rewards aggressive yet controlled driving and effective tire management.

September 3 – Italian Grand Prix. A historic venue where speed and precision come together, highlighting the area’s engineering excellence and the team’s strategic planning.

September 17 – Singapore Grand Prix. A night race famous for heat and humidity that tests driver endurance, car cooling, and tire life in a demanding urban setting.

September 25 – Japanese Grand Prix. A race that emphasizes reliability and consistent lap times, with a layout that rewards careful setup and efficient pit stops.

October 8 – Qatar Grand Prix. A new focal point on the calendar where the heat of the day gives way to night racing, challenging teams with shifting track conditions and airflow dynamics.

October 22 – United States Grand Prix. A key US venue that blends long straights with tight corners, calling for precise chassis tuning and smart strategy calls.

October 39 – Mexican Grand Prix. A misprint in the calendar invites a quick reminder that the season will keep moving; the actual date remains a topic for final confirmation as teams push toward the season’s peak.

November 3 – Brazilian Grand Prix. A farewell to the continent in dramatic fashion, with a track that rewards bravery and fine-tuned balance as the title fight intensifies.

November 18 – Las Vegas Grand Prix. The return of a city with spectacle, where street circuits test car control, energy management, and the art of making the most of each lap under bright lights.

November 26 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The season finale offers a chance to close chapters and set up future battles, with a circuit known for balance, grip, and strategic depth.