F1 LAUNCHES: When will the teams be presenting their new cars for the 2026 season?
Ahead of the 2026 season, here is all the information you need on when the teams will launch their cars.

While the 2025 campaign is yet to reach its conclusion, preparations are already well underway for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the teams beginning to announce their launch dates for next year.
Pre-season testing plans have previously been confirmed ahead of the 24-round calendar getting underway, the first event being the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8.
This will include a test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between January 26-30, a second test held at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 11-13 and a final test, also in Bahrain, between February 18-20.
Meanwhile the teams will host their own launch events before the season kicks off in Melbourne – and we’ve rounded up all of the key dates that have been confirmed so far, and will add to this article as and when new dates are announced.

January 15 – Red Bull/Racing Bulls launch
The Red Bull family were the first to announce their unveiling plans for 2026, with the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls outfits teaming up – alongside Ford – to reveal their respective liveries in a joint event.
With the new season marking Red Bull Ford Powertrains’ debut as a power unit manufacturer for both squads, the launch will be held at the United States home of Ford in Detroit, Michigan, on January 15.

January 23 – Alpine launch
Alpine announced via social media that their launch will be held in Barcelona on January 23, meaning that it will take place just a few days before the first pre-season test gets underway.
The team did not share further details about the nature of their event, but added the caption: “We've got something to show you...”

February 9 – Aston Martin launch
Aston Martin have announced that they will launch their 2026 car – the AMR26 – on February 9.
While the British team did not reveal further details of the unveiling, the news was confirmed via a social media post showing a pencil drawing the name of the car, perhaps as a nod to designer Adrian Newey becoming Team Principal as of next season.
F1 2026 key pre-season dates
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 15 | Red Bull/Racing Bulls launch | Detroit |
| January 26-30 | First pre-season test | Barcelona |
| February 9 | Aston Martin launch | TBC |
| February 11-13 | Second pre-season test | Bahrain |
| February 18-20 | Third pre-season test | Bahrain |
Next Up
Related Articles
Beyond The GridLaura Mueller and Esteban Ocon on their engineer-driver dynamic
In NumbersNorris, Verstappen and Piastri’s seasons in numbers
Betting GuideWho are the favourites as F1 arrives in Abu Dhabi?
Hamilton suggests personnel changes needed for 2026 at Ferrari
Hadjar admits he ‘needs to deliver’ for Red Bull
The ultimate fan guide to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix