Formula 1 is entering a new era in 2026 with major changes to cars and power units, making this launch season one of the most anticipated in years. With pre-season testing starting at the end of January—initially behind closed doors in Barcelona—teams are beginning to reveal their 2026 liveries and cars several weeks earlier than in recent seasons as they prepare for a 24-race campaign from March.
Key confirmed launch dates
– January 15 — Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls livery reveals
Red Bull Racing and the sister Racing Bulls team will unveil their 2026 liveries at Ford’s season launch in Detroit at the repurposed Michigan Central Station as the partnership with Ford begins.
– January 23 — Alpine car reveal
Alpine has promised “we’ve got something to show you” on Friday January 23, three days before the first private pre-season test in Barcelona. Alpine switched from Renault works engines to a customer Mercedes power unit and are targeting a strong step forward after finishing last in the 2025 constructors’ standings.
– January 23 — Haas livery reveal
Haas will also stage an online livery launch on the Friday before the first Barcelona test, unveiling the VF-26.
Pre-season testing schedule
– Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya: January 26–30 (private)
– Bahrain International Circuit: February 11–13 (public)
– Bahrain International Circuit: February 18–20
– February 8 — Cadillac livery reveal
New American entrant Cadillac will show its maiden F1 livery in a TV advert during the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in California.
– February 9 — Aston Martin car reveal
Aston Martin will reveal the AMR26 on Monday February 9. The car, designed by Adrian Newey and powered by Honda, will be shown two days before the first public Bahrain test.
Dates to be confirmed
McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, Williams and Audi have yet to announce their 2026 car or livery reveal dates.
What to expect from the 2026 regulations
The 2026 technical regulations overhaul changes power units, chassis and aerodynamics substantially. Cars will look and behave very differently. The new rules are intended to last five seasons, so teams have been working early to get a head start. Notable changes include the introduction of new power unit architecture, no more DRS, and moving wings to improve the ability of cars to follow and overtake. The overhaul could reshuffle the competitive order, as major regulation changes often do.
Watch and follow
Pre-season testing and launches will set the tone for 2026. Keep an eye on team announcements for further dates and full-car reveals as they are confirmed.