2026 F1 calendar: Car launch dates, test sessions and 24 Grands Prix - here’s the full action timeline

The countdown to the 2026 Formula 1 season has begun, with the New Year ushering in a brand-new set of technical regulations. Red Bull will be the first team to unveil its 2026 F1 car later this month, with the rest of the grid set to follow in the coming weeks. Although the new season is still a couple of months away from getting underway, three pre-season test sessions will give drivers a chance to familiarise themselves with their new machinery before competitive racing begins. Here’s a complete rundown of all the key dates to keep an eye on so you don’t miss any action from the F1 world.

F1 liveries to be unveiled this month

Audi, after taking over Kick Sauber, have revealed their new car in Barcelona. Red Bull and Racing Bulls will unveil their 2026 liveries in Michigan on January 15. Audi, which has taken over Kick Sauber for the season, will host a major team and livery launch in Berlin on January 20. Ferrari, Haas and Alpine are scheduled to reveal their liveries on January 23. McLaren will unveil their 2026 car in Bahrain on February 9.

Mercedes, Cadillac and Aston Martin will follow with their unveilings in the days after, completing the grid’s first official look ahead of the new season.

When are the F1 pre-season tests?

Three pre-season test sessions will set the tone for the year, allowing drivers to get to grips with their newly developed cars built under the 2026 regulations. The cars will be narrower this season, along with several other technical changes that are expected to significantly affect on-track performance and driving style.

The first private pre-season test will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26–30, giving teams five full days of running. The remaining two tests will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. The second test is scheduled for February 11–13, while the third and final pre-season test will run from February 18–20.

2026 F1 race calendar overview

A total of 22 drivers from 11 teams will compete for the Formula 1 World Championship across 24 races to be held around the globe. The 2026 season will begin with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6–8. Just a week later, the championship heads to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix from March 13–15.

The season will continue through the year before concluding, once again, with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.

Also read: Why Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri will pay over $1 million for their 2026 F1 super licenses


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