Barcelona testing explained: what to expect ahead of the 2026 F1 season. The Barcelona tests return in 2026: here is how they work.

One of the major new features of the 2026 Formula 1 season is the return of testing in Barcelona. Let’s take a detailed look at how it works and everything there is to know.

While the traditional carousel of car launches has already begun, attention remains firmly focused on the week that will be defined by the Barcelona tests. From January 26 to January 30, Formula 1 teams will head to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló for a first taste of what we will later see in Bahrain, where the first real cards will be laid on the table. The five days scheduled on the Spanish circuit will be used exclusively to check the correct functioning of the cars and the power units, which have been profoundly transformed by the new technical regulations.

Everything you need to know ahead of the tests

For this reason, it is important to highlight several key aspects related to the first phase of testing that will guide us towards the start of the championship, which is scheduled for March. First of all, it is essential to remember that all the Barcelona test sessions will be held behind closed doors. No journalists and no television broadcasters will be present at Montmeló to report news or provide images of the new cars.

In addition, teams will not be allowed to use all five days available. Each team will have three days at its disposal to run its car on track, regardless of the number of laps completed. This means that even if a team were to encounter a problem during the installation lap, that day would still be considered used and deducted from the three days available.

Of course, each team will be free to decide how to make use of these days, and there is no obligation to run on track for three consecutive days. Much will depend on the planned work programmes and also on the weather conditions expected at the Catalan circuit.

Once the Barcelona tests have concluded, the teams will return “home” before flying to Bahrain for the two test sessions, both lasting three days, which will begin on February 11 and conclude on February 20.