2026 Formula 1 Pre-Season Schedule and Calendar Updates Confirmed
The 2026 Formula 1 season will kick off with an extensive pre-season testing schedule designed to accommodate new power unit and chassis regulations. Teams will commence testing from January 26-30 at a private session in Barcelona, restricted to team personnel only, ensuring an exclusive environment for initial car evaluations.
Following the Barcelona test, two additional three-day sessions will be held in Bahrain on February 11-13 and February 18-20. These tests are crucial for teams to refine their new designs before the season opening at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.
In addition to the testing schedule, a significant alteration has been made to the race calendar: the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will now occur on Saturday, September 26, rather than Sunday, September 27. This change accommodates the Remembrance Day national holiday, resulting in two Saturday races in the 2026 season, including the Las Vegas Grand Prix scheduled for late November.
This proactive approach to testing and scheduling reflects F1’s commitment to adapting to the evolving motorsport landscape. Further details on team performance and specifications will be closely monitored as new regulations are implemented.
