The pre-season schedule for the 2026 Formula 1 season has been confirmed, and three tests are possible that allow for more preparation time as part of the new regulations.
With the change to both power unit and chassis regulations for next season, the team will be able to kick off the year from January 26th to 30th in a private test in Barcelona. Access to media and audiences is limited to those involved in the vehicle that is permitted when the new design hits the track for the first time, and not access to media and audiences to events agreed directly between the team and the circuit.
Two three-day tests will then be held in Bahrain to further explore the 2026 cars, which will take place on February 11-13 and February 18-20, prior to the first race of the season in Australia on March 8th.
In addition to the test schedule being confirmed, there have also been changes to the previously announced calendar, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix becoming a Saturday race.
The event was announced on September 27th, 2026, but will be held one day before September 26th due to the Sunday anniversary public holiday. The switch means there will be two Saturday races in 2026, with Las Vegas still maintaining its regular Saturday night slot in late November.