F1 car launches start this week! All 11 teams' 2026 dates ahead of preseason testing, new regulations – ESPN
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2026 is a huge moment for Formula 1 that will see both the chassis and power units updated in the biggest overhaul of regulations in the sport’s history. (4:18)
One of Formula 1’s biggest ever rules refreshes is upon us, making ‘launch season’ more intriguing than ever as we get a chance to see the all-new cars before they hit the track.
The overhauled regulations — largely focusing on more agile cars and better racing — mean we are seeing an earlier start to preseason testing, and an earlier look at the 2026 machines than usual.
Usually starting in February, the car — or livery, to all you nitpickers — launches get going in January next year.
Here are all the latest confirmed dates for the reveals.
F1 2026 🔜#F1 || #RedBullRacing pic.twitter.com/H4dgaagnvx
What? Joint livery reveal and season launch
When? Jan. 15, 2026
Where? Detroit, Michigan
A post shared by Audi F1 Project (@audif1)
What? Team launch and livery reveal
When? Jan. 20, 2026
Where? Berlin, Germany
You heard it here first. Our soundtrack for 2026 🔊​
​#F1 pic.twitter.com/W44ddc63dM
What? Power unit launch for Aston Martin
When? Jan. 20, 2026
Where? Tokyo, Japan
What? Livery reveal
When? Jan. 22, 2026
Where? Online
We've got something to show you…
23.01.26@MSCCruisesUSA pic.twitter.com/EsLSlTQ0C9
What? TBC – likely a car or livery reveal
When? Jan. 23, 2026
Where? Barcelona, Spain (ahead of preseason testing)
What? Livery reveal
When? Jan. 19, 2026
Where? Online
What? TBC
When? Jan. 23, 2026
Where? TBC
03.02.26. Save the date 📅
Full details: https://t.co/Tc8qqATujc pic.twitter.com/f7DJy6a0pa
What? Livery reveal
When? Feb. 3
Where? TBC
The livery is set. See you Super Bowl Sunday 👀
Mark your calendars 🔗 https://t.co/8AvMbPRebR pic.twitter.com/v4OhtpzG5k
What? Livery reveal
When? Feb. 8, 2026
Where? Super Bowl TV advert
AMR26 arrives.
09.02.26 pic.twitter.com/du9lqgXIuR
What? Joint livery reveal and season launch
When? Feb. 9, 2026
Where? TBC
What? Livery reveal
When? Feb. 9, 2026
Where? Bahrain
Jan. 26-30: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (behind closed doors)
Feb 11-13: Bahrain International Circuit
Feb. 18-20: Bahrain International Circuit
