F1: 2026 Pre-Season Testing Schedule Announced as Formula 1 Updates Race Calendar

F1 has announced the dates for the 2026 pre-season test sessions, along with a minor changes in the Formula 1 race calendar. The first test is set for Barcelona from January 26-30, where teams will run their next-generation F1 cars for the first time. This session will be held behind closed doors, with no media or fan access, and no live TV coverage, allowing teams to work in secrecy as they adjust to the sweeping new technical regulations.

F1’s pre-season testing will then continue in Bahrain, with more sessions scheduled in February. The first will take place from February 11-13, followed by a final test from February 18-20. These Bahrain sessions are expected to follow a more standard format, allowing media coverage and limited fan presence. They will offer teams essential track time to fine-tune their setups just ahead of the season opener in Australia.

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F1 has also introduced a change to the 2026 race calendar, confirming that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will move from Sunday to Saturday. This adjustment aligns with a national holiday in Azerbaijan and is aimed at boosting local engagement and simplifying logistics. Saturday races have occurred before in F1, most notably in Las Vegas in 2023 and during the 2024 Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix.

2026 Regulation

The 2026 season marks a major turning point for Formula 1, with significant regulation changes involving car chassis, engine technology, and sustainable fuels. The expanded testing schedule reflects the sport's recognition of the technical challenges ahead. Revised aerodynamics and updates to the hybrid power units will play a big role in defining team performance in the new era.

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F1 teams and fans will be closely watching these tests for early signs of competitiveness. While Barcelona’s private session will keep initial developments out of sight, the Bahrain tests are likely to provide the first real glimpse of how teams are adapting. With technical changes and shifts in race scheduling like Baku’s Saturday slot, the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched in recent years.