Haas to kick off busy week of 2026 F1 launches next Monday

The 2026 Formula 1 launch season has officially kicked off with Red Bull and Racing Bulls showcasing their new liveries during a joint event in Michigan alongside new power unit partner Ford. While the RB22’s striking new color scheme and Racing Bulls' Ford-inspired tweaks have set the visual tone, attention is rapidly turning to the rest of the grid. Haas is poised to be the next team to reveal its 2026 machinery, strategically moving its launch date to capitalize on the early buzz.

Why it matters:

The upcoming 2026 season marks a pivotal moment for Formula 1, defined by a new set of technical regulations and the highly anticipated factory entry of Audi. These launch events are no longer just formalities; they are critical marketing moments that signal a team's ambition and technical direction for a new era. Haas's decision to reschedule highlights the fierce competition for media space in an increasingly crowded calendar.

The details:

• Strategic Rescheduling: Haas has pulled its launch forward by four days to Monday, January 19th. The team originally planned to unveil its car on Friday, January 23rd, but opted to avoid a direct clash with several high-profile competitors.
• Toyota Partnership: The American outfit is expected to prominently feature a new title sponsor, reflecting its strengthened technical collaboration with Toyota. The car will be fielded by the new driver pairing of Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman.
• A Busy Week: The week of January 19th will be action-packed. While Haas kicks things off, Friday the 23rd remains a blockbuster day featuring launches from Audi, Mercedes, and Ferrari.
• Visual Evolution: Red Bull’s recent event marked the first major update to the team's colors in a decade, signaling a fresh start under the Ford partnership, while Racing Bulls maintained continuity with subtle branding updates.

What's next:

Following the Haas unveiling, the paddock will brace for a flurry of activity as the established heavyweights prepare to show their hands. The coming week will provide the clearest picture yet of how the grid is shaping up for the 2026 regulations, with Ferrari, Mercedes, and Audi set to define the narrative heading into pre-season testing.