These are hectic days for F1, which is already outlining the 2026 calendar and planning the test days. We had already discussed the absence of Imola next year, while the Madrid circuit will make its debut among the European races. The New York Times, after revealing the first details of the 2026 F1 calendar, also discussed how the winter tests for the upcoming season will be conducted.
According to reports, the format will change drastically. Five closed-door test days are planned in Barcelona, from which teams will be allowed to choose only three. Each team will decide on which days to use the Montmeló circuit, where this year’s Spanish Grand Prix has just concluded. Formula 1 will then move to Bahrain for the traditional test session, which will take place over three days (with morning and afternoon sessions).
This choice should prevent weather from affecting on-track performance, as happened this year at the Sakhir circuit. The surprisingly cold temperatures were not ideal for testing.
Formula 2026: how the calendar will change
There is great anticipation for the 2026 season, which is set to completely revolutionize Formula 1 due to the new regulations coming into effect. Next year’s calendar — which we covered yesterday — is now awaiting official confirmation. Imola is out, while Monaco and Canada will swap dates to improve the efficiency of freight transport between continents. There will once again be 24 races, spread from March to December. The New York Times also suggested that the presentation of the 2026 cars could be brought forward to January, as the test days might take place as early as the first week of February.
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