F1 Plans Private Multi-Location Preseason Tests Starting January

Formula 1 and the FIA have announced an expanded pre-season testing schedule for the 2026 season, shifting the start to late January to accommodate the sport's significant technical changes. The first test will be a private, behind-closed-doors session held from January 26-30 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where no media, public, or social media personnel will be allowed. This private test marks the debut of the sport's new, smaller, and lighter cars powered by a hybrid system combining electric power and sustainable fuels, alongside the historic entry of the Cadillac F1 team. Two further public tests are scheduled at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 11-13 and February 18-20, ahead of the season opener in Australia in March. These changes reflect the greatest technical overhaul in Formula 1 in decades, requiring teams more track time to prepare and test their radically redesigned cars with new power units and active aerodynamics. Additionally, the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will shift to a Saturday for the first time to accommodate national celebrations.