F1 2026: Car Launches and Livery Reveal Dates Confirmed So Far

With the 2025 Formula 1 season done and dusted, the ground-effect era is officially in the rear-view mirror. All eyes now turn to F1 2026, which brings one of the biggest rule resets the sport has seen in years. Active aerodynamics and sustainable fuels sit at the centre of the new regulations, and teams are already deep into development mode. For fans, this is the phase where speculation ramps up and the countdown to new cars and liveries truly begins.

The 2026 technical rules will change how these cars feel on track. The hybrid power unit drops the MGU-H, while electrical output jumps to around 350kW. That shift is expected to reshape energy management, race strategy, and even how drivers deploy power over a lap. It is a fresh engineering challenge and one that could shuffle the competitive order when the lights go out in 2026.

Also Read: F1: Audi Reveals Official Team Name and Car Launch Date

The grid itself will also look different. Cadillac joins Formula 1 as the 11th team, while Audi steps in by taking over the Sauber F1 operation, bringing the Sauber name’s long spell in F1 to a close. Teams will return to individual launch events after last season’s combined reveal, with most early shows likely to focus on liveries or show cars. The real details, as always, are expected to stay hidden until pre-season testing gets underway.

McLaren - TBA

McLaren heads into F1 2026 with an unchanged driver line-up. Oscar Piastri returns after multiple race wins, while Lando Norris arrives as the reigning World Champion, giving the team a young and settled pairing.

Mercedes - TBA

Mercedes retains George Russell as its lead driver for the new era. Kimi Antonelli moves into his second season with the focus on delivering results under the revised rules.

Red Bull - January 15

Red Bull continues with Max Verstappen leading the team as it enters a new phase with its in-house power unit developed in partnership with Ford. Isack Hadjar steps up from Racing Bulls after the 2025 season, replacing Yuki Tsunoda in the main team.

Ferrari - TBA

Ferrari keeps Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton together for another season. Leclerc targets a title challenge under the new regulations, while Hamilton enters his second year at Maranello aiming for more strong performance.

Aston Martin - February 9

Aston Martin stays with Fernando Alonso as its reference driver for 2026. Lance Stroll remains alongside him as the team begins work under team principal Adrian Newey.

Williams - TBA

Williams continues with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz after their 2025 campaign. Their experience helps the team approach the 2026 regulations with clarity.

Racing Bulls - January 15

Racing Bulls maintains Liam Lawson in one seat and promotes Arvid Lindblad from Formula 2. The pairing keeps a link to the Red Bull driver programme as the team moves into the new season.

Audi - January 20

Audi starts its first full works season with Nico Hulkenberg leading the line-up. Gabriel Bortoleto stays on after his rookie season, giving the team a mix of experience and youth.

Cadillac - February 8

Cadillac enters Formula 1 with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. Perez arrives after his time at Red Bull, while Bottas returns to the grid as the team begins its first season.

Haas - January 23

Haas sticks with Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman. The team carries forward the same drivers to support development and race execution.

Alpine - January 23

Alpine keeps Pierre Gasly as its main driver following the switch to Mercedes power for 2026. Franco Colapinto remains after his late-season performances.