Formula 1 Opts Against 2026 Joint Season Launch
Formula 1 has confirmed it will not hold a joint season launch for the upcoming 2026 campaign, following a successful inaugural event in 2025 at London’s O2 Arena.
The 2025 launch commemorated F1’s 75th anniversary, attracting 1.1 million concurrent viewers on YouTube and a total of 7.5 million across various platforms. Despite the event’s popularity, the commercial rights holder, Formula One Management (FOM), has opted to forego a similar gathering for the 2026 season.
The decision stems from the unique nature of the 2025 event, intended as a one-time celebration. FOM officials indicated that an annual launch may not be appropriate, with plans to revisit the idea during future milestones. Additionally, the substantial regulatory changes for the 2026 season—requiring all teams to design new cars and power units—necessitate focused preparations rather than a public spectacle.
The 11 participating teams, including the newly introduced Cadillac, will conduct three separate three-day pre-season tests in Barcelona and Bahrain, a notable increase from the previous single test. The first test is scheduled for late January, likely impacting any traditional season kick-off timelines.
FOM remains open to the possibility of reviving the launch concept in the future, potentially expanding its reach to iconic cities and markets globally.
In summary, while the unique 2025 launch set a high bar for engagement, FOM aims to ensure that 2026 preparations take precedence as teams navigate significant technical transitions ahead of the new season.
