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3w ago

F1 Confirms 2026 Pre-Season Tests and Shifts Azerbaijan Grand Prix

The new schedule features a January closed-door test in Barcelona before open Bahrain trials in February to prepare teams for the hybrid era.

Formula One F1 - Austrian Grand Prix - Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria - June 29, 2025 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull's Max Verstappen crash out during the race REUTERS/Gintare Karpaviciute
Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Carlos Sainz of Spain driving (55) the Ferrari SF-24 during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 15, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
McLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri drives on the third day of the Formula One pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir on February 28, 2025.
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Overview

  • Formula 1 will hold a five-day private pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from Jan. 26 to 30 with no media or public access.
  • Two open testing sessions are scheduled at the Bahrain International Circuit from Feb. 11 to 13 and Feb. 18 to 20.
  • The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend will move to Saturday, Sept. 26, instead of Sunday, to honor a national day of remembrance.
  • All teams have been formally notified of the updated calendar ahead of the opening race in Melbourne in March 2026.
  • These tests are designed to help teams adapt to sweeping 2026 technical regulations, which introduce hybrid power units running on 100% sustainable fuel.