F1's 2026 Pre-Season Kicks Off in January, a 12-Year First
For the first time since 2014, F1's pre-season testing begins in January. The 2026 calendar will feature 24 races and 6 sprints, with Madrid joining the schedule and Imola being dropped.
Formula 1 is set to kick off its 2026 pre-season testing in January, marking the first time in 12 years that teams will hit the track before the season opener in the opening month of the year. The three-day, closed-door test at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya mirrors a format not seen since the dawn of the hybrid era in 2014, signaling an earlier start to the intense development season. This will be followed by two more sessions in Bahrain, giving teams a total of nine pre-season days to prepare for a grueling 30-race calendar.
Why it matters:
The return to January testing compresses an already tight offseason, forcing teams to finalize their 2026 challengers and prepare for track action much earlier. This extended pre-season program, totaling nine days across three sessions, is designed to give teams ample running time to adapt to the new regulations and ensure reliability ahead of a relentless 30-event season. The early start is a direct response to the packed calendar, maximizing preparation time before the first Grand Prix in Melbourne.
The details:
- Testing Schedule: The 2026 pre-season consists of three sessions. A private, three-day test at Barcelona from January 26-30 will be followed by two public tests in Bahrain on February 11-13 and February 18-20.
- 2026 Calendar: The season will feature 24 Grands Prix and six Sprint races for a total of 30 race weekends.
- Key Changes: The calendar adds a second Spanish race in Madrid, while the Italian Grand Prix at Imola has been removed, leaving Italy with a single round at Monza.
- Season Start/End: The campaign kicks off a week earlier than 2025 in Melbourne and concludes in Abu Dhabi, maintaining a traditional season finale.
What's next:
With the calendar and testing schedule confirmed, all eyes now turn to the teams as they enter the final phases of developing their 2026 machines. The closed-door test in Barcelona will offer the first, albeit limited, glimpse into the competitive order for the new season. Teams will be aiming to log crucial mileage and gather data before the season opener in Australia, where the true battle for the 2026 championship will begin.