Formula 1 and the FIA have unveiled the pre-season testing schedule for the 2026 season, a year that promises to introduce sweeping regulation changes and heightened competition.
Teams will have three official test sessions to prepare. The first will be a private session held at Spain&rsquo;s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26 to 30. This closed-door test is expected to give teams an early read on the performance of their newly designed cars.
Testing then moves to Bahrain, where two more sessions will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit. The first Bahrain test is scheduled from February 11 to 13, followed by a second test from February 18 to 20. These events will be open to media and fans, offering a first glimpse at team performance before the season opener in Melbourne, Australia, from March 6 to 8.
In a related update, Formula 1 has shifted the date of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Originally set for Sunday, September 27, the race will now be held on Saturday, September 26, in Baku to accommodate national celebrations in the host country. The event&rsquo;s entire schedule will shift forward by one day.
All teams have been informed of the calendar adjustment to help them plan accordingly for what promises to be a dynamic and demanding season.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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F1 Confirms 2026 Testing Schedule, Alters Baku GP Date

Pre-season tests set for Barcelona and Bahrain; Azerbaijan GP moved to Sept 26 due to festivities.

F1 Confirms 2026 Testing Schedule, Alters Baku GP Date

Pre-season tests set for Barcelona and Bahrain; Azerbaijan GP moved to Sept 26 due to festivities.

June 30, 2025 | 17:42 IST