The 2026 calendar opens with an open test at Sebring International Raceway on January 10, giving squads their first laps on the hybrid DW12 chassis with universal aero kits. Expect heavy traffic as Ganassi, Penske and McLaren shake down setups ahead of the St. Petersburg opener on March 1.
Midwinter brings a marquee two day outing at Thermal Club in late February, blending rookie orientation with veteran shakedowns. Hybrid energy deployment will dominate sessions, as drivers like Palou and Newgarden adapt to push to pass buttons and battery strategies.
Spring ramps up with an Indy road course test in April and Iowa ovals in May, culminating in the traditional Carb Day at IMS. These controlled runs let teams validate fuel windows and tyre wear before hybrid chaos hits the grid.