The 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing calendar has been confirmed, offering teams a total of nine days on track before the season kicks off in Melbourne. With major technical changes coming, including updates to both the power units and the cars themselves, these tests will be crucial for teams to prepare.
Starting in Barcelona
The first tests of the year will take place in Barcelona from January 26 to 30. Each team will have three total days on track during this period, and as is customary, the Barcelona sessions will be held behind closed doors. The early start mirrors what happened in the winter of 2022, emphasizing the importance of getting teams and drivers familiar with the new technical regulations as soon as possible.
In 2026, the technical landscape will be completely new. Teams will face a fresh set of challenges, from power unit management to adapting the cars to updated aerodynamics. Special attention will need to be paid to the handling of electric power, which is now required to reach 50% of total power relative to the thermal engines—a significant change from the current hybrid systems.
Bahrain tests
February will feature two open-door testing sessions at the Bahrain International Circuit. The first session runs from February 11 to 13, followed by a second session from February 18 to 20. These sessions will give teams the opportunity to gather critical data in conditions more similar to race weekends and to prepare for the debut in Melbourne.
Fans may recall that the 2022 pre-season tests in Bahrain highlighted the porpoising issue. In 2026, teams will face a brand-new challenge, not only managing aerodynamics and chassis balance but also the revised power unit regulations.
F1 2026 test calendar
| Circuit | Date |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | January 26–30 (three days per team) |
| Bahrain | February 11–13 |
| Bahrain | February 18–20 |
Mark the dates – the first glimpse of the all-new 2026 cars is only weeks away.
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