Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Formula 1 has confirmed an expanded pre-season testing programme ahead of the 2026 campaign, reflecting the scale of the sport’s new power unit regulations. Unlike recent seasons, teams will take part in three separate test events before the opening race in Melbourne.
In previous years, pre-season preparation was limited to a single three-day test in Bahrain. However, the introduction of the 2026 power units has prompted Formula 1 to extend testing, giving teams additional mileage to understand the new technology.
F1 2026 Pre-Season Test 1 – Barcelona
- Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
- Dates: January 26–30, 2026
- Format: Five-day test (maximum of three running days per team)
- Status: Behind closed doors
The opening test will take place in Barcelona over five days. Each team is permitted to run on track for a maximum of three days across the event. Williams has confirmed it will not participate due to delays in passing FIA crash tests.
Running in Barcelona is scheduled from 09:00 to 17:00 local time (CET) each day, with the possibility of a one-hour extension depending on daylight conditions.
Barcelona Pre-Season Test Schedule
| Day | Date | Local Time (CET) | GMT | EST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Monday, Jan 26 | 09:00 – 17:00 | 08:00 – 16:00 | 03:00 – 11:00 |
| Day 2 | Tuesday, Jan 27 | 09:00 – 17:00 | 08:00 – 16:00 | 03:00 – 11:00 |
| Day 3 | Wednesday, Jan 28 | 09:00 – 17:00 | 08:00 – 16:00 | 03:00 – 11:00 |
| Day 4 | Thursday, Jan 29 | 09:00 – 17:00 | 08:00 – 16:00 | 03:00 – 11:00 |
| Day 5 | Friday, Jan 30 | 09:00 – 17:00 | 08:00 – 16:00 | 03:00 – 11:00 |
F1 2026 Pre-Season Tests 2 & 3 – Bahrain
Following the Barcelona test, Formula 1 will move to Bahrain for two further three-day tests, both held at the Bahrain International Circuit. These sessions will provide the final opportunity for teams to refine their cars before the season begins.
Each day of running in Bahrain will last nine hours, from 10:00 to 19:00 local time (AST).
Bahrain Pre-Season Test – Week 1
| Day | Date | Local Time (AST) | GMT | EST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Wednesday, Feb 11 | 10:00 – 19:00 | 07:00 – 16:00 | 02:00 – 11:00 |
| Day 2 | Thursday, Feb 12 | 10:00 – 19:00 | 07:00 – 16:00 | 02:00 – 11:00 |
| Day 3 | Friday, Feb 13 | 10:00 – 19:00 | 07:00 – 16:00 | 02:00 – 11:00 |
Bahrain Pre-Season Test – Week 2
| Day | Date | Local Time (AST) | GMT | EST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Wednesday, Feb 18 | 10:00 – 19:00 | 07:00 – 16:00 | 02:00 – 11:00 |
| Day 2 | Thursday, Feb 19 | 10:00 – 19:00 | 07:00 – 16:00 | 02:00 – 11:00 |
| Day 3 | Friday, Feb 20 | 10:00 – 19:00 | 07:00 – 16:00 | 02:00 – 11:00 |
Key Points: F1 2026 Pre-Season Testing
- Three test events before the first race
- Maximum nine days of running per team
- Expanded testing reflects:
- New 50/50 internal combustion–electric power units
- Revised car dimensions
- Increased complexity in energy management systems
With limited mileage still enforced despite the expanded format, teams will need to extract maximum value from every lap. Early understanding of the new regulations could prove decisive when the 2026 Formula 1 season gets underway in Melbourne.
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