When Will F1’s 11 Teams Reveal Their 2026 Cars? Full Launch Calendar

Formula 1, Sportrik Media – Formula 1 is about to enter its most radical technical reset of the modern era in 2026, with new aerodynamic concepts and a fundamentally revised hybrid power unit formula set to reshape the competitive order. With the first pre-season test in Barcelona taking place behind closed doors, team launches and livery reveals are the only public window into how each operation is approaching the new regulations.

Every launch this winter therefore carries greater strategic weight than usual, offering early clues about design philosophy, commercial direction and organisational confidence.

On 15 January, Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will stage a joint livery reveal at the Detroit headquarters of engine partner Ford in the United States. Both teams will unveil their 2026 colour schemes only, deliberately withholding their new chassis designs ahead of the private Barcelona test.

Haas F1 Team will follow on 19 January with an online presentation of the VF-26 livery, moved forward from its original slot to avoid clashes with other launches. The reveal will place strong emphasis on new title partner Toyota, underlining Haas’s commercial restructuring for the 2026 rules cycle.

On 20 January, Audi Revolut F1 Team will host a so-called “global launch” in Berlin, presenting the first official livery of the former Sauber Motorsport operation under Audi’s full-works identity. Public viewing of the livery will follow the next day, reinforcing Audi’s effort to establish a clear brand presence before its competitive debut.

Mercedes AMG Petronas will begin its rollout on 22 January by releasing digital renders of the W17. The physical car and full team presentation will take place on 2 February, after the first private pre-season test, allowing Mercedes to protect sensitive design details during the initial development phase.

The busiest day of the launch calendar is 23 January. Scuderia Ferrari will unveil its SF-26 and immediately conduct a shakedown at Fiorano with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, before sending a “Spec A” version to Barcelona. On the same day, Alpine F1 Team will reveal the A526 livery in Barcelona, marking its first season as a Mercedes customer after ending its long-running Renault engine programme.

Williams Racing will present its 2026 car on 3 February, following its strongest championship campaign in years, as it looks to consolidate its return to the front half of the grid.

Newcomer Cadillac F1 Team has opted for a marketing-driven approach, unveiling its first F1 livery during the Super Bowl halftime show on 8 February, maximising exposure in its home market.

The final and most revealing launch day arrives on 9 February. Aston Martin F1 Team will become the first outfit to show its actual 2026 car, the Honda-powered AMR26 designed by Adrian Newey. On the same day, reigning champions McLaren F1 Team will unveil their 2026 livery, completing the grid’s reveal schedule.

With the Barcelona test held in private, these launches are the only early reference points for judging who may have interpreted the new regulations most effectively — a developing technical battle that continues to be analysed in depth by Sportrik Media at https://sportrik.com.