Formula 1`s 2026 season is scheduled to commence with a comprehensive ten days of pre-season testing, strategically divided between events in Barcelona and Bahrain.
The upcoming F1 season will introduce a dramatically altered landscape due to extensive rule changes affecting both aerodynamic designs and engine regulations. This mandates that all competing teams will be fielding entirely new cars.
Furthermore, the grid is set to expand from its current 10 teams to 11, with the American squad, Cadillac, joining as a new participant.
F1 has officially confirmed that the initial phase of pre-season preparation will take place during a private test from January 26 to 30 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which traditionally hosts the Spanish Grand Prix.
Following the Barcelona session, open testing events are planned at the Bahrain International Circuit, scheduled for February 11-13 and then again from February 18-20.
The 2026 F1 season itself will officially get underway with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8.
Notably, while the Bahrain test is organized through standard F1 and FIA procedures, the Barcelona portion has been arranged independently by the teams directly with the Spanish circuit management.
A key consequence of this independent arrangement is that the Barcelona test will not be broadcast on television, nor will any timing data be publicly released.
This private environment is intended to allow teams to conduct troubleshooting and development on their new machinery away from public and media scrutiny.
The subsequent tests in Bahrain, however, will proceed as conventional, publicly accessible sessions.
Beyond the addition of Cadillac, 2026 will also mark Audi`s entry into Formula 1 as a power unit supplier.
The German manufacturer is set to complete its acquisition of the Sauber team by the conclusion of the current season.
In other calendar news for 2026, Formula 1 has also confirmed that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku will shift from its initially scheduled Sunday slot on September 27 to the preceding Saturday, September 26. This adjustment accommodates a national day celebration.
The 2026 F1 season is planned to feature 24 races, representing the maximum number currently permitted under the sport`s regulations.
Additionally, a new event in Madrid is slated to replace the discontinued Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, meaning Spain will host two rounds of the championship.
