Today F1 testing begins in Barcelona: why Ferrari will not run on day one. F1 2026 pre-season testing begins today in Barcelona.

The F1 2026 Barcelona tests begin today: everything you need to know and why Ferrari will not be on track.

With the presentation of the new cars now well underway, Formula 1’s focus shifts to Barcelona. Starting today, January 26, the first phase of testing for the 2026 season officially gets underway. It marks an important return for the Circus ahead of the new regulatory cycle, even though Ferrari fans will have to wait until tomorrow, January 27, to see the Scuderia on track due to an organizational decision.

One of the major novelties of the 2026 season is the return of testing at the Barcelona circuit. The Catalan track will host the teams until January 30, for a total of five days entirely dedicated to the technical evaluation of the new cars.

The focus will not be on outright performance. These tests are primarily aimed at checking the correct functioning of the cars and their power units, which have been heavily modified under the new technical regulations coming into force this season.

F1 Barcelona test schedule today: Ferrari not on track

Not all teams will be on track for the full duration of the event. Each team will have only three days of running available, to be used freely within the window from January 26 to January 30.

There is no obligation to run on three consecutive days. Teams can choose when to take to the track depending on their work programs and weather conditions. However, one crucial aspect must be highlighted: each day used counts in full, regardless of the number of laps completed. Even a problem during the installation lap would result in the loss of one of the three available days.

Test sessions will run every day from 9:00 to 17:00. According to the schedule, Ferrari will not be on track on the opening Monday, but will begin its program from Tuesday. For all teams, this will represent the first real taste of the new cars after months of simulator work and bench testing.

Another key element is the complete confidentiality of the event. The Barcelona tests will take place behind closed doors. No journalists will be present at the circuit and there will be no television coverage. There will be no live images and no official lap times released. Information will only emerge through team communications or selected content shared via Formula 1’s official channels.