Formula 1 has unveiled the official pre-season testing schedule for 2026 with an expanded plan that significantly increases the preparation time ahead of a major technical overhaul.
Teams will now get nine days of pre-season testing instead of just three. The extra time aims to help teams prepare for the major technical changes coming in 2026, including new engine rules and updates to car design.
Test 1: Private runs in Barcelona
The first testing session will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya over five days.
Each team will get to choose any 3 days to test their cars. This part of testing will be completely private: no media, no live timing, and no broadcasting.
Aimed at teams focusing on their brand-new cars and fixing any early issues before showing them off publicly.
Test 2 & 3: Public in Bahrain
The next two tests will be held in Bahrain on:
- February 11-13, 2026.
- February 18-20, 2026.
This will be open to the media and fans, where sessions will look more like the usual pre-season testing, we’ve seen in recent years. Teams will get a total of six days in Bahrain to fine-tune their cars in front of the cameras and collect important data before the season begins.
The extra track time is especially important this year. The 2026 season introduces major regulation changes: teams will use 100% sustainable fuels for their engines, eliminate the MGU-H, and increase the power share from the electric motor (MGU-K).
Teams will need all the time they can get to understand the new systems, adjust to the changes, and make sure their cars are reliable.
The season’s first race will take place from March 6 to 8 in Melbourne, Australia. The race calendar also confirms a small change: the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will now occur on Saturday, September 26, instead of Sunday.