Finlay McSporran
Published: 17:35 1st January 2026

Winter is usually seen as the quiet period of the motorsport calendar, as big names such as F1, IndyCar and WEC take a break before the new season.

However, there’s still plenty of motorsport action to be had at this time of the year. This article will explore some of the biggest single – seater championships happening in January.

Formula E

Kicking things off with Formula E, which has two races in January. Season 12 began in December last year with the Sao Paulo E – Prix, which was won by 2022 – 2023 champion Jake Dennis.

Defending champion Oliver Rowland finished second in that race, as he looks to retain his crown.

Two Formula E races will take place in January, with the Mexico City E – Prix on the 10th and the Miami E – Prix on the 31st. Both races will be on the same circuits F1 uses, albeit shortened versions.

Formula Regional Oceania Championship

The first feeder series in this article, and it’s a big one, with four race weekends in January. This is one of six FIA sanctioned Formula Regional championships meant for drivers on their way up the single seater ladder towards F1.

Last years championship was won by F1 – bound Arvid Lindblad, and this years grid looks to be just as strong (if not even stronger). Nine drivers from this years Formula 3 grid have been announced so far, so there’s definitely no shortage of talent!

Four race weekends make up the season, with four races and two qualifying sessions for the first three rounds. The final round, the New Zealand Grand Prix, is slightly different with just one qualifying and three races.

All for rounds will be back to back, with round one beginning next week, and the Finale on the 1st of February.

Formula Regional Middle east

That’s not the only Formula Regional championship taking place this month however, as the middle – eastern series gets underway on the 16th.

Like the Oceanic championship, this is another stepping stone for drivers on their way to F1, and has been won by some big names in the past such as Kimi Antionelli, Tuka Taponen and Evan Giltaire.

For rounds make up this seasons calendar, with the first two being held at Yas Marina, round three at the Dubai Autodrome, and the finale at the Lusail international circuit.

Rounds one, two and three will a take place back to back during the final three weeks of the month, before a short break ahead of the finale on the 11th of February.

Round one will see the debut of the Tatuus T-326 – the FIA’s second generation Formula Regional car, which will also be used in the European championship later in the year.

F4 UAE

Also beginning in January is the Formula 4 UAE championship, which runs alongside the FR middle eastern series.

Formula 1 Pre Season Testing

Finally, right at the end of the month is F1’s first pre season test.

Unfortunately for us, the test is private and won’t be televised. However, it will be the first time the new cars hit the track, and pictures will inevitably make their way out.

The test will take place from the 26 – 30 of January.

And suddenly the month of January doesn’t seem so empty!

Tags:

Formula 1

Formula Regional

Road to F1