Photo: Race Pictures.

Mark your calendar: full schedule and venue for 2026 F1 testing

08:36, 09 Dec

byTobia Elia

Fans won’t have to wait long this winter to see the cars back on track for pre-season testing.

The 2025 Formula 1 season has just wrapped up, with Lando Norris edging out Max Verstappen and his teammate Oscar Piastri to claim the World Championship. Now, it’s already time to turn the page and focus on next year.

The upcoming season promises a real leap into the unknown for everyone, with cars set to undergo a complete overhaul in design and internal architecture due to the regulation changes, while power units will once again play a starring role.

As a result, the pecking order is expected to be shaken up significantly, with McLaren heading into pre-season testing aiming to defend both titles they secured this year.

Credit: Race Pictures

2026 F1 pre-season testing: full schedule

Unlike in previous years, teams will have the chance this year to rack up valuable mileage and data across three official test sessions — one of which will be behind closed doors without media present, and the other two just before the season kicks off in February.

The first test block will take place at Barcelona’s Circuit de Montmeló from January 26 to 30, a crucial session for the teams as it marks the true debut of the new cars in real-world conditions.

From Barcelona, testing will move to Bahrain, another historic pre-season venue, with three days scheduled from February 11 to 13, before wrapping up with a final three-day session from February 18 to 20, just two weeks ahead of the season-opening race in Australia.

Barcelona, Circuit de Montmeló: January 26–30 (behind closed doors)
Bahrain International Circuit: February 11–13
Bahrain International Circuit: February 18–20

Car launches will kick off on January 15, starting with Red Bull and Racing Bulls, with six of the 11 teams already having announced the dates for their respective car unveilings.

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