F1 LAUNCHES: When will the teams be presenting their new cars for the 2026 season?

Ahead of the 2026 season, here is all the information you need on when the teams will launch their cars.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 07: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull

While the 2025 campaign is yet to reach its conclusion, preparations are already well underway for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the teams beginning to announce their launch dates for next year.

Pre-season testing plans have previously been confirmed ahead of the 24-round calendar getting underway, the first event being the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8.

This will include a test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between January 26-30, a second test held at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 11-13 and a final test, also in Bahrain, between February 18-20.

Meanwhile the teams will host their own launch events before the season kicks off in Melbourne – and we’ve rounded up all of the key dates that have been confirmed so far, and will add to this article as and when new dates are announced.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 09: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red BullRed Bull and Racing Bulls were the first to announce their 2026 joint launch date

January 15 – Red Bull/Racing Bulls launch

The Red Bull family were the first to announce their unveiling plans for 2026, with the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls outfits teaming up – alongside Ford – to reveal their respective liveries in a joint event.

With the new season marking Red Bull Ford Powertrains’ debut as a power unit manufacturer for both squads, the launch will be held at the United States home of Ford in Detroit, Michigan, on January 15.

F1 2026 key pre-season dates

DateEventLocation
January 15Red Bull/Racing Bulls launchDetroit
January 26-30First pre-season testBarcelona
February 11-13Second pre-season testBahrain
February 18-20Third pre-season testBahrain