Formula 1 enters a major new era in 2026, with big changes to cars and power units. Pre-season testing begins at the end of January, initially behind closed doors in Barcelona, and teams are revealing liveries and cars several weeks earlier than in recent seasons as they prepare for a 24-race campaign starting in March.
Confirmed launch dates
– January 15 — Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls livery reveals
Red Bull Racing and sister team Racing Bulls will unveil their 2026 liveries at Ford’s season launch in Detroit, staged at the repurposed Michigan Central Station, marking the start of the Red Bull–Ford partnership.
– January 23 — Alpine car reveal
Alpine has teased a reveal for Friday, January 23, three days before the first private Barcelona test. The team has switched from Renault works engines to a customer Mercedes power unit and is targeting a clear step forward after finishing last in the 2025 constructors’ standings.
– January 23 — Haas livery reveal
Haas will present its livery online the Friday before the Barcelona test, unveiling the VF-26.
– February 8 — Cadillac livery reveal
New American entrant Cadillac will debut its first 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. Designed by Adrian Newey and powered by Honda, the car will be shown two days before the first public Bahrain test.
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 (public)
Dates to be confirmed
McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, Williams and Audi have not yet announced their 2026 car or livery reveal dates.
What to expect from the 2026 regulations
The 2026 technical overhaul substantially changes power units, chassis and aerodynamics. Expect cars that look and behave differently: new power unit architecture, the removal of DRS, and moving wings intended to improve following and overtaking. The rule package is designed to last five seasons, so teams pushed early development to get a head start. As with past major regulation changes, the overhaul could reshuffle the competitive order.
Watch and follow
Pre-season testing and launch events will set the tone for 2026. Keep an eye on team announcements for confirmed dates and full-car reveals as they are released.