Formula 1 reveals details of 2026 pre-season testing

The 2025 Formula 1 season is in full swing, but the International Automobile Federation is already laying out plans for the upcoming campaign, gradually sharing more details with the public.

Details: As a reminder, ahead of the 2026 season there will be three tests: two open and one closed. The closed session will kick things off in Barcelona from January 26 to 30. Teams will be allowed to test cars equipped with new power units and active aerodynamics for three out of the five days. Importantly, these sessions will be held behind closed doors—no fans, no broadcasts. Teams will organize the tests themselves, with Formula 1 only responsible for official timing.

The open tests are scheduled for Bahrain on February 11–13 and 18–20, and it is during these sessions that we'll see the Cadillac team in action for the first time. After testing concludes, the season will officially begin with the Australian Grand Prix. Additionally, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been rescheduled from September 27 to September 26. The change is due to the original date coinciding with the country's national day of remembrance, so the main race will now take place on Saturday.

Reminder: Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, it was announced that this race will remain on the Formula 1 calendar at least until 2041.