11 ways for fans to get their F1 fix during April

After an action-packed start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, racing will take a break in April until the Miami Grand Prix weekend arrives on May 1-3.

This gap in the racing calendar has come about after it was announced the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix would not take place in April, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

While the on-track action pauses for now, here are 11 ways to still get your F1 fix all April long...

For the homebody

If you'd rather enjoy the April downtime from the comfort of your sofa, we've got you covered.

Build an F1 car... sort of

This pause in action provides the perfect excuse to scratch your engineering itch and get building. It might not quite be the same as the Miami Drivers’ Parade, but there are countless LEGO sets that allow you to recreate cars from the 2024 season brick by brick. With an F1 ACADEMY set and several throwback classics, there is more than enough to keep you occupied for the whole month.

Whether you’re going all-in on a detailed display model during a quiet weekend afternoon or building some of the smaller Speed Champions models with the family – it’s a relaxing way to enjoy the time before Miami.

(Re)watch ‘F1 The Movie’

The film that dominated last summer is still very much worth your time, and if you somehow haven't watched it yet, now is the perfect moment – it's streaming on Apple TV. Already seen it? Build a watchlist to carry you through the coming weeks. Senna (Netflix), Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story (Disney+), Schumacher (Netflix), Rush (Netflix), F1: The Academy (Netflix) and Drive to Survive (Netflix) are all essential viewing.

With Kimi Antonelli leading the Championship after back-to-back victories in China and Japan, there's never been a better time to (re)watch The Seat (Netflix), which documents Mercedes' decision to promote the then-18-year-old Italian for the 2025 season – and has proved a pretty fruitful decision thus far!

Dive into the archives

F1’s YouTube channel is packed with race highlights, iconic team radios, and technical breakdowns. Alternatively, you could treat yourself to the full experience by joining F1 TV for complete race replays, onboard action, and season reviews from the past 50 years – it’s the ultimate treasure trove for dedicated fans.

Enjoy the thrill of F1 Sim Racing

April is also the perfect time to discover – or dive deeper into – the F1 Sim Racing World Championship. This series brings together the best sim racers on the planet, each representing an official F1 team on state-of-the-art simulators that replicate real racing with incredible accuracy – and you won't have to wait long for the next set of races.

The 2026 season features 12 rounds across four events, combining the energy of a live esports festival with the intensity of studio-based competition. It got underway in spectacular fashion at DreamHack Birmingham – one of the world's biggest gaming festivals – before moving to F1's own Media & Technology Centre at Biggin Hill for the remainder of the season.

One name to watch is the reigning champion Jarno Opmeer – the Red Bull driver is the man to beat, and with the second event just around the corner, the pressure is already building on his rivals to close the gap as he leads the 2026 standings by five points after just three rounds.

For Event 2, there are three more blockbuster races from across two days from April 22-23 at the F1 Media & Technology Centre, Biggin Hill – here's the schedule:

Wednesday, April 22, Round 4: F1 Sim Racing Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2026

• Qualifying 17:30 (UTC+1)
• Race 20:00 (UTC+1)

Thursday, April 23, Round 5: F1 Sim Racing Gran Premio de Barcelona-Catalunya 2026

• Qualifying 12:00 (UTC+1)
• Race 14:30 (UTC+1)

Thursday, April 23, Round 6: F1 Sim Racing British Grand Prix 2026

• Qualifying 17:30 (UTC+1)
• Race 20:00 (UTC+1)

All rounds are broadcast live on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels – so whether you're watching from your sofa or following along on your phone, you've got front-row seats.

Sharpen your skills on F1 25

Inspired by the world-class sim racers battling for glory in the World Championship? Why not jump in yourself? F1 25 lets you live out your racing fantasies from your own living room – whether you're climbing the career ladder or hunting purple sectors in time trials. Max Verstappen will certainly be doing the same!

Upgrade your team kit

Spring is a great excuse for a wardrobe refresh, and there's plenty of team merch worth adding to your wish list. Grab the latest teamwear and rep your favourites in style – or if you can't pick a side, check out the F1 wardrobe essentials!

Start an F1 reading list

Driver biographies, engineering deep dives, photographic season reviews – there's a whole library of motorsport stories waiting to be explored. A few sunny spring afternoons with a good F1 book is hard to beat.

Catch up on all the inside information from the season with F1 podcasts

Out on a walk, doing chores, or relaxing at home? Why not use the month to catch up on podcasts? Our three official podcasts are essential listening for racing fans, whether you want to catch up on the action or to build excitement for the rest of the 2026 season.

F1 Nation has the paddock’s weekly pulse check all season long. Tom Clarkson is joined by a rotating all-star cast of drivers and F1 insiders as the show breaks down every Grand Prix in detail only an all-access crew can deliver, and there are plenty to catch up on over April!

If you’re someone who loves getting to know the people of the paddock,Beyond the Grid remains the podcast to enjoy. Each episode, Tom Clarkson sits down for honest, in-depth interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. Recent guests have included Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies, Williams' Carlos Sainz and 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve – who have all offered fresh stories and candid reflections of their time in and out of the sport.

Rounding out the trio is F1 Explains, the show that answers all F1-related questions, thanks to the captivating duo of Katie Osborne and Christian Hewgill. Whether it’s unpacking Ford’s return to the sport with Red Bull, Cadillac’s intense preparations ahead of joining the grid this season, or what really fuels team mate title battles – each episode helps to make the complex world of F1 that little bit simpler.

Together, these three shows form a fascinating podcast playlist for any fan eager to go deeper than just race weekends. Bundle up, stick your headphones on, and continue to get your F1 fix in April.

For the explorer

Wanting to spend more time out of the house after a busy month of racing in March? Here are some excursions for you to get stuck into.

Visit F1 Arcade

Has watching the first races of 2026 got you itching to try it yourself? Live the F1 lifestyle with your motorsport-loving mates at F1 Arcade in London, Birmingham or various American locations. Sim racing, food, drinks, and full fan energy – it’s the ultimate F1 hangout!

Go karting

A lull in F1 action offers fans the opportunity to get behind the wheel themselves. The drivers themselves will be sure to head down to their local karting tracks to get in the miles, so why shouldn’t you? Perhaps even take it up a notch at F1 Drive, Formula 1’s very own karting circuit in London. Whether you're racing mates or chasing lap records, it's the perfect way to channel your inner champion.

Plan your next Grand Prix weekend

Whilst racing takes a brief hiatus, there is no better time to book your own Grand Prix weekend this season! Tickets, travel, accommodation, bucket-list destinations – if you want 2026 race weekends locked in early, now’s your chance. From classic circuits to brand-new stops on the calendar, there is still plenty of the season left to build your dream itinerary around!