F1's 2026 Car Launch Schedule: Key Dates and What to Expect

The 2026 Formula 1 season is fast approaching, with car launches kicking off as early as January 15. This year's reveal season is particularly significant, coinciding with major new technical regulations and the highly anticipated arrival of new teams like Cadillac and Audi. Fans will get their first look at the next generation of F1 cars through a packed schedule of events spanning from Detroit to the Super Bowl.

Why it matters:

The launch events mark the beginning of a new era for F1, with radical technical regulations aimed at improving racing and sustainability. The performance of these new cars, especially the power units, will define the competitive order for years to come. The entry of Cadillac and Audi's full takeover of Sauber signals the championship's growing global appeal and commercial strength.

The details:

• Jan 15: Red Bull & Racing Bulls - A joint event in Detroit, Michigan, to officially launch their partnership with Ford Powertrains.
• Jan 20: Audi & Honda - Audi holds a global launch in Berlin for its first F1 car after taking over Sauber. Separately, Honda will unveil its new power unit in Tokyo, which will exclusively power Aston Martin.
• Jan 23: Alpine, Ferrari & Haas - A busy day with three launches.
  • Alpine reveals its Mercedes-powered car in Barcelona.
  • Ferrari will also unveil its 2026 livery, with team principal Fred Vasseur emphasizing an "aggressive" build schedule.
  • Haas opts for a digital-only livery reveal.
• Feb 8: Cadillac - The new American team makes a blockbuster entrance by revealing its livery in a TV commercial during the Super Bowl in California.
• Feb 9: Aston Martin - Closing out the season, Aston Martin will unveil the AMR26, the first car designed by legendary aerodynamicist Adrian Newey for the team.

What's next:

Following these launches, all eyes will turn to pre-season testing, where the true performance potential of these revolutionary 2026 machines will finally be revealed. Teams like McLaren, Mercedes, and Williams are still to confirm their launch dates, adding further anticipation to the build-up for the new season. The competitive hierarchy established during testing will be a strong indicator of what to expect when the lights go out at the first Grand Prix.