F1 2026: Globo's Grand Return – See All Open TV Races

The roar of Formula 1 engines is set to echo through Brazilian homes once more, as the highly anticipated 2026 season marks the triumphant return of F1 to TV Globo. After a five-year stint with Band, the iconic racing championship is making its way back to one of Brazil's largest free-to-air broadcasters, promising widespread accessibility for millions of fans. This move signifies a major shift in the landscape of F1 broadcast in Brazil, bringing the thrill of Grand Prix racing closer to a broader audience. While all 24 races will enjoy comprehensive coverage across SporTV and Grupo Globo's digital platforms, a significant 15 of these will be available for free on open TV, ensuring that the passion for speed is shared with an unprecedented number of enthusiasts.

The Grand Return: Globo and F1's Rekindled Partnership

For many Brazilian F1 aficionados, the return of Formula 1 to Globo feels like a homecoming. The broadcaster has a long, storied history with the sport, creating generations of fans who grew up watching Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, and Rubens Barrichello on its airwaves. This rekindled partnership for 2026 is more than just a change of channels; it's a strategic move that aims to significantly expand the reach and engagement of F1 across the nation. The agreement solidifies Globo's commitment to delivering top-tier sports content. Every single Grand Prix will be covered exhaustively across Grupo Globo’s ecosystem, meaning dedicated fans with cable subscriptions can catch all the action live on SporTV, complete with expert commentary, pre- and post-race analysis, and in-depth technical discussions. Moreover, digital platforms will ensure that viewers can stream races on the go, offering flexibility for modern consumption habits. However, the real game-changer for casual viewers and those without paid TV services is the commitment to transmit 15 out of the 24 races on TV Globo’s open signal. This widespread F1 broadcast accessibility is crucial for nurturing new fans and keeping the existing fanbase vibrant and engaged. The possibility of the São Paulo Grand Prix qualifying session also being shown on Globo adds another layer of excitement, though this remains to be officially confirmed. For those seeking an alternative, comprehensive streaming experience, F1TV continues to be the official, direct streaming service, offering a wealth of exclusive features that we'll delve into later.

Navigating the 2026 F1 Calendar: Races on Open TV

The 2026 Formula 1 season promises a packed schedule, kicking off on March 8th with the traditional curtain-raiser, the Australian Grand Prix. The calendar features 24 challenging races, but not without some significant updates that will keep fans on their toes. Notably, the iconic Imola circuit makes way for new additions and reconfigurations. Madrid will make its grand debut as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix, bringing a fresh urban challenge to the calendar, while Montmeló will now host the newly christened Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. These changes underline F1's constant evolution, balancing heritage with innovation. For Brazilian fans planning their weekends around the F1 Transmissão, here’s a detailed look at the 2026 calendar, specifically highlighting which of these thrilling races you can catch live on TV Globo:

GP da Austrália – March 8th (TV Globo)
GP da China* – March 15th
GP do Japão – March 29th (TV Globo)
GP do Bahrein – April 12th
GP da Arábia Saudita – April 19th
GP de Miami* – May 3rd
GP do Canadá* – May 24th
GP de Mônaco – June 7th (TV Globo)
GP de Barcelona-Catalunha – June 14th (TV Globo)
GP da Áustria – June 28th (TV Globo)
GP da Grã-Bretanha* – July 5th (TV Globo)
GP da Bélgica – July 19th (TV Globo)
GP da Hungria – July 26th (TV Globo)
GP da Holanda* – August 23rd (TV Globo)
GP da Itália – September 6th (TV Globo)
GP da Espanha – September 13th (TV Globo)
GP do Azerbaijão – September 26th
GP de Singapura* – October 11th (TV Globo)
GP dos Estados Unidos (Austin) – October 25th
GP do México – November 1st
GP de São Paulo – November 8th (TV Globo)
GP de Las Vegas – November 21st (TV Globo)
GP do Catar – November 29th
GP de Abu Dhabi – December 6th (TV Globo)

* Indicates a Sprint Race weekend. Planning your F1 viewing has never been easier. With 15 races confirmed for open TV, fans can mark their calendars and ensure they don't miss out on crucial championship battles, daring overtakes, and dramatic finishes. For those races not on open TV, remember that SporTV and Grupo Globo's digital platforms will provide full coverage.

Beyond the Main Races: Sprint Formats and Comprehensive Coverage

The 2026 season also brings a refreshed approach to the increasingly popular sprint race format. These shorter, action-packed races, designed to add an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to select weekends, will be featured at six specific Grands Prix. Fans can look forward to sprint action in China, Miami, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Singapore. Interestingly, for the first time, the much-loved Interlagos circuit in Brazil will not host a sprint race, shifting the focus entirely to its main Grand Prix event. Beyond the main races and sprints, Grupo Globo’s comprehensive F1 Transmissão strategy ensures every facet of the Formula 1 experience is covered. As mentioned, SporTV and the digital platforms will be the go-to for all sessions – practice, qualifying, and the main race – for every single Grand Prix. This means deeper dives into team strategies, driver interviews, and technical analysis, creating a truly immersive experience for dedicated followers. For the ultimate F1 fan, however, F1TV remains an unparalleled option. This official streaming service offers a unique, in-depth view of every session. Subscribers gain access to:

Real-time Telemetry and Data: Follow official live timing, sector performance, and acceleration data directly from the GPs. Monitor driver positions on dynamic maps and track tire changes as they happen.
Exclusive Onboard Cameras: Immerse yourself in the action with ad-free live streams from every car's onboard camera.
Team Radio Highlights: Listen to the best moments of team radio communications, from strategic calls to victory celebrations.
Comprehensive Archive and Exclusive Content: Dive into F1's rich history with an extensive archive of past races, documentaries, and pre- and post-race shows.
Supporting Series Coverage: F1TV also provides live and on-demand access to F2, F3, F1 Academy, and Porsche Supercup, making it a complete motorsport package.
Multi-platform Availability: Watch anywhere on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Chromecast devices.

Considering whether to stick with free-to-air or upgrade your viewing experience? For a detailed comparison and guide to making the best choice, explore our dedicated article: F1TV Pro vs. Globo 2026: Your Complete F1 Streaming Guide.

What to Expect: Enhanced Experience and Viewer Choices

The return of Formula 1 to Globo is poised to reignite national interest in the sport. Open TV broadcasts historically attract a wider demographic, introducing F1 to new audiences who might not actively seek it out on paid platforms. This mass appeal is vital for the growth and continued popularity of the sport in Brazil. The ease of access, combined with Globo’s renowned production quality and experienced commentary teams, is expected to deliver a high-quality viewing experience that caters to both seasoned fans and newcomers. While the free-to-air option offers incredible accessibility, the premium streaming experience provided by F1TV, or even SporTV for cable subscribers, offers unparalleled depth. The choice ultimately depends on what kind of viewer you are. Do you prefer a casual Sunday afternoon watch with family, or do you crave every detail, every angle, and every piece of data? With Globo’s return, Brazilian fans now have a robust spectrum of choices, ensuring everyone can enjoy the pinnacle of motorsport in a way that suits them best. The 2026 season is set to be a landmark year, not just for the exciting on-track action with new regulations and car designs, but also for its significant broadcast changes. To stay fully updated on all the circuit specifics, new tracks, and other crucial details about the upcoming season, make sure to check out our comprehensive guide: F1 2026 Calendar: New Tracks, Sprint Races, and How to Watch. Conclusion The 2026 F1 season is shaping up to be a monumental year for Brazilian motorsport fans. With Globo’s grand return to F1 Transmissão, bringing 15 races to open TV, the sport is set to reclaim its widespread prominence across the nation. This strategic move, complemented by comprehensive coverage on SporTV and digital platforms, alongside the in-depth experience offered by F1TV, ensures that every fan, regardless of their viewing preference, will have ample opportunities to follow every twist, turn, and triumph. As the engines prepare to fire up on March 8th, the excitement is palpable – Brazil is ready to embrace the spectacle of Formula 1 once again.