Haas Moves 2026 Car Reveal to Jan 19 to Avoid Launch Congestion
Haas has advanced its 2026 car unveiling to Jan 19, beating a crowded Jan 23 launch day shared by Ferrari, Alpine and Mercedes. The move gives Haas early media exposure while the rest of the grid staggers its reveals ahead of the private Barcelona test.
Haas will debut images of its VF‑26 on Jan 19, becoming the first team to show a full‑design 2026 car. By pulling forward the reveal, the American‑owned squad sidesteps a jam‑packed Jan 23 slot that Ferrari, Alpine and Mercedes share, gaining early media focus ahead of the season‑changing regulations.
Why it matters:
The early reveal puts Haas in the spotlight at a time when sponsors, media and fans are hungry for any glimpse of the new era cars. It also signals the team’s proactive approach to the 2026 rulebook, hoping to build momentum before the private Barcelona test on Jan 26.
The details:
- Jan 15: Red Bull/Racing Bulls host a livery‑only launch in the U.S. (no full car).
- Jan 19: Haas releases digital renders of the VF‑26, the first full‑design showcase.
- Jan 20: Audi & Honda unveil their 2026 concepts.
- Jan 22: Mercedes shares renderings of its upcoming car.
- Jan 23: Alpine and Ferrari hold joint events, crowding the calendar.
- Feb 2: Mercedes presents its official season launch.
- Feb 3: Williams reveals its 2026 car after the Barcelona test.
- Feb 8: Cadillac’s debut.
- Feb 9: Aston Martin’s reveal.
- Other approaches: Red Bull and Audi are keeping it to liveries; Williams and Aston Martin wait for the closed‑door Barcelona test; McLaren has yet to announce a plan, but is expected to follow the post‑test timeline.
What's next:
The Barcelona private test (Jan 26‑28) will give every team a chance to validate their new power units and aero packages away from the public eye. After the test, we can expect a second wave of full‑car reveals, likely from the teams that held back. McLaren’s timing remains the only open question as the grid finalises its visual rollout for the 2026 season.