F1 Teams Asked to Hide 2026 Liveries in Secret Test; Doohan and Rovanpera Hit Trouble in Japan

Formula 1 teams have received an unusual request to run their 2026 cars in camouflage or plain black liveries during a secret pre-season test in Barcelona, should their official designs remain unrevealed. The directive aims to preserve the dramatic reveal for fans at the subsequent public tests in Bahrain. Meanwhile, in Japan, F1 hopefuls Jack Doohan and Kalle Rovanpera faced significant setbacks during a Super Formula test, with Doohan crashing twice and Rovanpera forced to withdraw due to a medical issue.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents a major technical reset with new regulations, making every test session critical for development. Keeping the cars' looks under wraps until Bahrain ensures the sport maximizes fan engagement and spectacle for the new era. Concurrently, the struggles of drivers like Doohan and Rovanpera highlight the intense pressure and physical demands faced by those on the cusp of F1, where a single test can make or break a career opportunity.

The details:

• Secret Test Protocol: Teams have been asked to use camouflage or black liveries for the first closed-door 2026 test in Barcelona if their final designs are not ready. This ensures the first public glimpse of the new-generation cars happens during the official pre-season tests in Bahrain.
• Testing Purpose: The Barcelona session is designed to allow teams to troubleshoot early issues with their radically new cars away from the public and media spotlight, providing a crucial, pressure-free shakedown.
• Super Formula Setbacks:
  • Jack Doohan: The Alpine reserve and Haas hopeful suffered crashes on consecutive days at Suzuka's challenging Degner corners while attempting to secure a 2026 Super Formula seat.
  • Kalle Rovanpera: The two-time World Rally Champion had to end his first single-seater test early after being diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), an inner-ear disorder causing balance and vision issues.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the Barcelona test in January to see which teams have managed to keep their 2026 concepts secret, building anticipation for the full reveal in Bahrain. For the drivers, Doohan will need to rebound strongly from his crashes to prove his readiness for a competitive seat, while Rovanpera's transition to single-seaters now depends on a full recovery from his vertigo episode. The off-track narrative also continues, as discussions around driver backgrounds and value, highlighted by Forbes' salary analysis and the satire aimed at Lando Norris, remain a persistent part of the F1 conversation.