Winter Shutdown Sees Snow Cover Imola, Zandvoort, and Other F1 Tracks
As the F1 winter break nears its end, snow has blanketed key circuits including Imola, Zandvoort, and Montreal. Teams are now preparing for the imminent 2026 car launches and pre-season testing.
Several Formula 1 circuits, including Imola, Zandvoort, and Montreal, have been blanketed in snow, offering a serene but stark contrast to the frenetic activity happening behind the scenes. With the winter shutdown drawing to a close, factories are buzzing as teams finalize their 2026 challengers ahead of imminent launches and the start of pre-season testing.
Why it matters:
The picturesque snow scenes symbolize the end of the F1 world's brief hibernation. For teams, it's the final calm before the storm of a new season, while for fans, it's a visual cue that the wait for new cars and on-track action is almost over.
The details:
- Several iconic venues have experienced wintry conditions in recent weeks, including:
- Imola, Italy: Home of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
- Zandvoort, Netherlands: Set to host its final Dutch Grand Prix in 2026.
- Montreal, Canada: The location for the Canadian Grand Prix.
- The pre-season calendar is rapidly approaching:
- Car Launches: Expected to begin as early as next week.
- Barcelona Test: The first official, behind-closed-doors test runs from January 26-30.
- This will mark the true beginning of the new-generation era of F1.
- Bahrain Tests: Two separate test sessions in Sakhir on February 11-13 and February 18-20.
What's next:
The first on-track action is just around the corner. Audi is planning a 'filming day' shakedown for its RS26 power unit and chassis at Barcelona before the official test begins. Under these regulations, the team can complete up to 200km on demonstration tires, providing a crucial early data point. Following this, the entire grid will assemble in Bahrain for two weeks of intensive testing, setting the stage for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.