The 2026 Barcelona pre-season test will not be televised or feature live timing. F1 has opted for a private shakedown to shield teams from negative press during the initial phase of the new regulations.
The 2026 F1 season officially begins with a private pre-season test in Barcelona. Teams are shaking down their new cars under major regulations, with no live timings available to the public.
Audi names British racer Freddie Slater as the inaugural member of its driver development program. The recent Formula Regional champion will race in F3 with Trident next season under Allan McNish's guidance.
F1 is conducting a secret shakedown in Barcelona under a strict media blackout to shield teams from scrutiny as they test radical new 2026 regulations and address early reliability issues.
Haas releases first images of the VF-26 with Esteban Ocon driving in Barcelona. Seven teams begin testing as the 2026 season preparations accelerate.
The 2026 F1 season officially starts with testing in Barcelona. Seven teams, including Mercedes and Audi, debut their new cars, focusing on reliability and data gathering rather than outright performance.
The 2026 F1 season kicks off in Barcelona with Mercedes confirming Day 1 running for Russell and Antonelli. Red Bull opts for an aggressive 18-set soft tyre strategy, contrasting Ferrari's conservative medium-heavy approach.
As the 2026 regulations overhaul looms, pre-season testing becomes the critical first look at the new era. Here is what to expect from the track action and technical reveals.
F1 faces its biggest regulation overhaul yet for 2026, making pre-season testing vital. With new power units and active aero, teams head to Barcelona and Bahrain to validate extreme engineering changes before the season opener.
Alpine confirms Christian Horner's interest in purchasing a stake, while Lewis Hamilton tests Ferrari's new active aero and eyes a former McLaren engineer for his race crew.
Oscar Piastri suggests McLaren may adjust its "papaya rules" for 2026 to simplify internal competition following a controversial 2025 title fight between him and Lando Norris.
Isack Hadjar reveals a yellow, Senna-inspired helmet for his 2026 Red Bull debut, featuring physics formulas honoring his father's profession. Meanwhile, Verstappen returns to the number 3.
