Here is the complete list of all the most important pre-season dates ahead of the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Only a few months remain before the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, which will bring major changes and challenges still waiting to be discovered. Many teams have yet to announce the launch date of their new car, but there is no shortage of key appointments.
The countdown to the beginning of the 2026 Formula 1 season has now officially started, with many crucial dates already confirmed. Between pre-season tests held at two different venues, new liveries and car launches, the calendar is packed with commitments before the Melbourne Grand Prix.
Here are all the dates you need to know to avoid missing any of the most important events of the 2026 pre-season.
15 January – Red Bull and Racing Bulls launch
The first teams to announce their plans for unveiling their 2026 challengers were Red Bull and Racing Bulls. Both teams are set to work together, alongside Ford, to reveal their new liveries during a joint event.
In addition, during the livery launch – which will take place at Ford’s US headquarters in Detroit on 15 January – Red Bull Ford Powertrains will also officially debut as the power unit manufacturer for both teams.
20 January – Audi launch
Audi, replacing Kick Sauber, has confirmed that the launch of the team’s 2026 car will take place in Berlin on 20 January.
After revealing an initial conceptual livery in November 2025, dominated by titanium, black and red colours, the team will present the full livery this month. A public inauguration will then be held the following day, on 21 January, giving fans the chance to enjoy a unique experience.
20 January – Honda power unit launch
Alongside the Audi presentation, 20 January will also see the launch of Honda’s new power unit ahead of its exclusive partnership with Aston Martin for 2026.
While Audi will be unveiled in Berlin, the Honda event will take place in Tokyo. The presentation will also be streamed live on YouTube for fans worldwide and will feature Toshihiro Mibe, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin, and Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
22 January – Mercedes launch
Mercedes has confirmed the launch date of its 2026 car, the W17. The Brackley-based team will unveil the new challenger on 22 January, shortly before the official season launch event scheduled for 2 February, with Kimi Antonelli, George Russell and Toto Wolff in attendance.
23 January – Alpine launch
Through its social media channels, Alpine announced that the launch of its 2026 car will take place in Barcelona on 23 January, just a few days before private testing begins.
The team has not shared many details, but the caption under the post reads: “We have something to show you…”
23 January – Haas livery reveal
In what promises to be a busy and reveal-filled day, 23 January will also see Haas showcase something new for 2026. The American team will unveil the livery for the new season, which is now just a few months away.
23 January – Ferrari launch
Alongside the Alpine launch and the Haas livery presentation, 23 January will also feature the launch of the new Ferrari. During the team’s annual end-of-season Christmas press conference at Fiorano, Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur confirmed the launch date of the new car, although further details have yet to be revealed.
26–30 January – Private pre-season testing
The first pre-season test of 2026 will take place privately between 26 and 30 January. With a season full of innovation and surprises ahead, this will be the first of three pre-season test sessions.
At the end of January, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will host the first private test, lasting a total of five days.
3 February – Williams launch
Williams recently revealed via social media that the livery of its new 2026 car will be presented on 3 February. The car will be named FW48, but no further details have been released.
However, the team has confirmed that it will start the new season with a special fan-designed livery, while the look revealed on 3 February will be the one used for the remainder of the campaign.
8 February – Cadillac livery presentation
Cadillac will become the 11th Formula 1 team from this season and has already announced its drivers, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, along with their race engineers. Only the car launch was missing, but that has now also been confirmed.
The American team is preparing for its debut season and will unveil its car in grand style with a television commercial aired during the Super Bowl on 8 February.
9 February – Aston Martin launch
The new Aston Martin car, the AMR26, will be unveiled on 9 February, as confirmed by the team in December 2025. The announcement was shared on the team’s social media channels with a post showing a pencil sketch of the car’s name, although few additional details are currently available.
11–13 February – Pre-season testing
The second pre-season test ahead of the start of the 2026 season will take place between 11 and 13 February. This time, the action will move from Barcelona to the Bahrain International Circuit.
This test will be shorter than the January session, lasting just three days.
18–20 February – Pre-season testing
The third and final pre-season test will be held between 18 and 20 February, once again at the Bahrain International Circuit. This will be the final opportunity for teams to fine-tune their cars ahead of the start of the season.
6–8 March – Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne
After the conclusion of the third and final pre-season test, it will be time for the opening race of the 2026 Formula 1 season. From 6 to 8 March, the Australian Grand Prix will take place in Melbourne.
The start of the year will also feature a double-header, with the Chinese Grand Prix scheduled to follow one week later.
As the winter break draws to a close, the frantic pace of launches and testing will provide the first real evidence of who has mastered the 2026 technical overhaul. With heavyweights like Ferrari and Mercedes revealing their challengers in late January and the historic arrival of Cadillac during the Super Bowl, the next few weeks will be crucial for fans and teams alike. Every kilometer covered in Barcelona and Bahrain will be vital as the countdown to the Australian Grand Prix enters its final, most intense phase.
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