F1 2026 Pre-Season Testing: Dates and Locations Revealed

Formula 1 teams are gearing up for a crucial 2026 pre-season testing period, featuring three multi-day sessions across Barcelona and Bahrain ahead of the Melbourne season-opener. With all-new chassis and engine regulations and the addition of Cadillac to the grid, teams will have more on-track time than in recent years to prepare for the new era of F1.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents one of the most significant regulatory overhauls in recent F1 history, introducing new power units and chassis concepts. This extended pre-season schedule is critical for all 11 teams to validate their designs, solve reliability issues, and gather essential data before the competitive season begins, potentially leveling the playing field as everyone adapts to the new rules.

The details:

• Test 1 - Barcelona (January 26-30): The first test will be a private, five-day session at Barcelona. Teams can choose any three of the five days to complete their initial shakedown and data collection without the presence of TV crews or fans.
• Test 2 - Bahrain (February 11-13): The first public test will take place in Bahrain. This session will be broadcast live and open to fans, running from 10 am-7 pm local time (7 am-4 pm UK time), similar to the 2025 schedule.
• Test 3 - Bahrain (February 18-20): The final pre-season test will also be held in Bahrain, just two weeks before the Australian Grand Prix on March 8. Like the second test, it will be a public, live-broadcasted event, giving teams a final opportunity to fine-tune their cars before heading to Melbourne.

What's next:

Following the conclusion of the Bahrain test on February 20, teams will have a two-week period to analyze the data, make final adjustments, and ship their equipment to Australia. The first race of the 2026 season, the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, is scheduled for March 8, where the true pecking order under the new regulations will finally be revealed.