Formula 1 will turn the page as the 2026 season ushers in a new technical era, widely regarded as the most significant regulation overhaul in the history of the world championship. Completely revised cars and power units will define a full reset of the rules, with the potential to dramatically reshuffle the competitive order.
With the paddock heading into largely uncharted territory, anticipation is building around the unveiling of the new machinery. The sense of intrigue grows further because Formula 1 will hold the first pre-season test, scheduled for late January in Barcelona, behind closed doors, adding an extra layer of secrecy and speculation.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls kick things offRe
d Bull and Racing Bulls will be the first teams to reveal their 2026 colours, holding a joint launch on January 15 in the United States. The two outfits will unveil only their new liveries at the Detroit headquarters of engine partner Ford, with Red Bull having been the first team to officially confirm its launch plans.
Audi’s first step as a full works team
Audi will host what it describes as a “global launch” event in Berlin on January 20. The German manufacturer, set to take over the existing Sauber operation, will reveal the livery that will adorn its first Formula 1 car under the new regulations. Fans will have the opportunity to view the livery in person the following day.
Ferrari between Fiorano and Barcelona
Ferrari will unveil its yet-to-be-named 2026 challenger on January 23. On the same day, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will take the new car to the track for the first time during a shakedown at Ferrari’s Fiorano test circuit. Three days later, a “Spec A” version of the car will head to Barcelona for private testing alongside the rest of the grid.
Alpine turns the page
Alpine will also reveal its 2026 livery on January 23 in Barcelona, just days before the opening pre-season test. The Anglo-French squad will be aiming for a significant step forward after a difficult 2025 campaign that left it with the slowest car on the grid. The A526 will mark a historic change for the team, as it becomes Alpine’s first F1 car powered by Mercedes engines, ending its long association with Renault power units.
Haas begins a new chapter with ToyotaHa
as will complete its 2026 livery reveal online on January 23. New title sponsor Toyota will feature prominently on the VF-26, highlighting the significance of the partnership.
Cadillac’s Super Bowl statement
Cadillac has opted for an unconventional approach to the unveiling of its first Formula 1 livery. Cadillac will reveal the design for the first time during the Super Bowl halftime show on February 8, putting the brand on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
Aston Martin unveils the first real 2026 car
Aston Martin will be the first team to reveal an actual 2026 car, unveiling the Honda-powered AMR26 on February 9. Adrian Newey’s influence shapes Aston Martin’s first car, which the team will present just two days before the first public pre-season test in Bahrain and 10 days after the private Barcelona shakedown.
Dates still to be confirmed
Launch dates for McLaren, Mercedes and Williams have yet to be announced, completing the build-up to the dawn of a new era in Formula 1.