All the key pre-season dates for F1 2026
The countdown is officially on to the 2026 Formula 1 season, with a packed pre-season schedule now taking shape. As teams prepare for a brand-new technical era, launches, livery reveals and three pre-season tests will set the tone before the first race of the year.
Here’s a full breakdown of every confirmed key date you need to know ahead of lights out in Melbourne.
January 15 – Red Bull / Racing Bulls launch
Red Bull and Racing Bulls will kick off the 2026 launch season with a joint event alongside Ford.
The reveal will take place in Detroit, Michigan, marking the debut season of Red Bull Ford Powertrains as a power unit supplier for both teams. Expect a strong American flavour as the partnership steps into the spotlight for the first time.
January 19 – Haas livery reveal
After initially targeting January 23, Haas moved their 2026 livery reveal forward to January 19.
The American squad will unveil their new look online, giving fans an early glimpse of what they’ll be running in the new regulations era.
January 20 – Audi launch
Audi will officially launch their first Formula 1 season on January 20 in Berlin, following their takeover of the Kick Sauber operation.
The team will present their full race livery before hosting a public fan opening the following day. This comes after an early concept livery reveal in November featuring titanium, carbon black and Audi red.
January 20 – Honda power unit launch
Honda will also take centre stage on January 20 with the launch of their 2026 power unit in Tokyo.
The manufacturer will partner exclusively with Aston Martin in the new era, with the event livestreamed globally on YouTube. Speakers include Toshihiro Mibe (Honda Motor Co.), Lawrence Stroll (Aston Martin) and Stefano Domenicali (Formula 1).
January 22 – Mercedes unveil W17 renders
Mercedes will offer the first official look at their 2026 car by releasing digital renders of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE on January 22.
This preview arrives just days before private pre-season testing begins, with a full season launch scheduled for early February.
January 23 – Alpine launch
Alpine will hold their 2026 launch in Barcelona on January 23, just ahead of the first test of the year.
While details remain limited, the Enstone-based outfit teased the reveal on social media, hinting that something significant is on the way.
January 23 – Ferrari launch
Ferrari will also launch on January 23, with Team Principal Fred Vasseur confirming the date during his end-of-season press conference at Fiorano.
Further details about the Scuderia’s unveiling are still to be announced.
January 26–30 – First pre-season test (private)
The first of three pre-season tests will run privately at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26 to January 30.
Spanning five days, this test will be crucial as teams gather early data under the sweeping new 2026 technical regulations.
February 2 – Mercedes season launch
Mercedes will follow up their January renders with a full digital season launch on February 2.
The event will feature Toto Wolff, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, alongside technical insight into how the team has approached the new regulations.
February 3 – Williams livery reveal
Williams will reveal the livery of their 2026 challenger, the FW48, on February 3.
After finishing fifth in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship, the team heads into the new season with momentum, retaining Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz as their driver pairing.
February 8 – Cadillac livery reveal
Cadillac will unveil their first-ever Formula 1 livery during a Super Bowl television advert on February 8.
The American manufacturer’s debut season will see Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez return to the grid in Cadillac colours.
February 9 – Aston Martin launch
Aston Martin will launch the AMR26 on February 9.
The team confirmed the date via social media, teasing the reveal with imagery suggesting a design-led focus — fitting as Adrian Newey steps into his role as Team Principal for 2026.
February 11–13 – Second pre-season test
The second test of the winter takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 11 to 13.
This three-day session offers teams a more representative environment to refine setups and understand performance.
February 18–20 – Third pre-season test
The final pre-season test also runs in Bahrain from February 18 to 20.
This is the last opportunity for teams to fine-tune reliability, performance and race simulations before the season opener.
March 6–8 – Australian Grand Prix
The 2026 Formula 1 season officially begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 6–8.
The race opens a double-header with China and launches a 24-round calendar that promises one of the most transformative seasons in F1 history.
With new power units, fresh team identities and multiple manufacturers entering a new era, the 2026 pre-season is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating in recent memory.
