All the Key Pre-Season Dates for F1 2026

Swamiji — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 13:01:00 +0000

Formula 1 and the FIA have jointly unveiled the official pre, season testing dates for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. This represents the first on, track action with the start of the racing season still weeks away in early March. As a result of the major regulation changes and numerous new car launches, teams will be keen to carry out 2026 testing in these sessions prior to the race weekend.

The pre, season calendar features three separate test periods, enabling the teams to have a prolonged on, track time in order to perfect the setup and solve any issues of reliability after a long winter of development.

Official Test Dates and Locations

1. First Pre-Season Test: Barcelona (Spain)

January 26–30, 2026
The first testing session is scheduled at the Circuit de Barcelona, Catalunya which is the location of the very first real on, track time for the teams with their new cars. The session will be held as a private test behind closed doors so there will be limited timing and media access.

2. Second Pre-Season Test: Bahrain International Circuit

Image via F1

February 11–13, 2026
Testing will then take place in the Middle East where it is expected to be more broadcast, friendly at the Bahrain International Circuit. Teams will perform a long run of the car with a view to track down any performance and verification problems under more challenging conditions. Meanwhile, they will be very busy finalising setups.

3. Third Pre-Season Test: Bahrain International Circuit

February 18–20, 2026
A final test block at the same Sakhir venue offers teams a last opportunity to fix any issues and collect final data before the season opener. This session is held just weeks before the first Grand Prix weekend.

Team Launches and Preparations

Image via F1

Several teams have already planned their car launch events and technical unveilings ahead of the official testing periods. These launches typically occur in January and serve to create the atmosphere of what each team will bring to pre, season testing. Thus, a number of teams have revealed their launch dates in different European cities in the weeks leading up to testing.

Road to the Australian Grand Prix

After the three pre, season tests, the 2026 Formula 1 season will officially kick off with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne, scheduled for early March. This traditional opening round starts the 24, race championship campaign.

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