Overview
- Formula 1 published team launch dates on its official X account, with Red Bull and Racing Bulls on January 15, Haas on January 19, Audi on January 20, Mercedes on January 22, Ferrari and Alpine on January 23, several reveals in February, and McLaren still to confirm.
- Haas will debut the VF-26 via digital renders and video, retains Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman with Ferrari power units, and elevates its Toyota alliance to principal sponsor, replacing MoneyGram.
- With Cadillac expanding the grid to 11 teams and 22 drivers, the FIA adjusted qualifying so six drivers are eliminated in Q1 and Q2, preserving a 10-car Q3, with shorter sprint qualifying segments.
- F1 released the full 2026 schedule and times featuring 24 Grands Prix and six sprints, Saturday races in Las Vegas and Baku, and Madrid joining the calendar in place of Imola.
- Official testing opens at Barcelona from January 26–30, followed by two Bahrain sessions on February 11–13 and February 18–20.