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Formula 1 car launches: 2026 dates, schedule ahead of preseason testing, new regulations

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One of Formula 1's biggest ever rules refreshes is upon us, making 'launch season' more intriguing than ever as we get a chance to see the all-new cars before they hit the track.

The overhauled regulations -- largely focusing on more agile cars and better racing -- mean we are seeing an earlier start to preseason testing, and an earlier look at the 2026 machines than usual.

Usually starting in February, the car -- or livery, to all you nitpickers -- launches get going in January next year.

Here are all the latest confirmed dates for the reveals.

Red Bull and Racing Bulls

What? Joint livery reveal and season launch

When? Jan. 15, 2026

Where? Detroit, Michigan


Audi

What? Team launch and livery reveal

When? Jan. 20, 2026

Where? Berlin, Germany


Alpine

What? TBC - likely a car or livery reveal

When? Jan. 23, 2026

Where? Barcelona, Spain (ahead of preseason testing)


Haas

What? TBC - likely a car or livery reveal

When? Feb. 8, 2026

Where? Online


Cadillac

What? Livery reveal

When? Jan. 15, 2026

Where? Super Bowl TV advert


Aston Martin

What? Joint livery reveal and season launch

When? Jan. 15, 2026

Where? TBC


Yet to be confirmed

McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, Williams


What are the preseason testing dates?

Jan. 26-30: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (behind closed doors)

Feb 11-13: Bahrain International Circuit

Feb. 18-20: Bahrain International Circuit