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

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.

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.

F1 2026 ?#F1 || #RedBullRacing pic.twitter.com/H4dgaagnvx

What? Joint livery reveal and season launch

When? Jan. 15, 2026

Where? Detroit, Michigan

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What? Team launch and livery reveal

When? Jan. 20, 2026

Where? Berlin, Germany

You heard it here first. Our soundtrack for 2026 ?​

#F1 pic.twitter.com/W44ddc63dM

What? Power unit launch for Aston Martin

When? Jan. 20, 2026

Where? Tokyo, Japan

What? Livery reveal

When? Jan. 22, 2026

Where? Online

We've got something to show you...

23.01.26@MSCCruisesUSA pic.twitter.com/EsLSlTQ0C9

What? TBC - likely a car or livery reveal

When? Jan. 23, 2026

Where? Barcelona, Spain (ahead of preseason testing)

What? Livery reveal

When? Jan. 23, 2026

Where? Online

What? TBC

When? Jan. 23, 2026

Where? TBC

The livery is set. See you Super Bowl Sunday ?

Mark your calendars ? https://t.co/8AvMbPRebR pic.twitter.com/v4OhtpzG5k

What? Livery reveal

When? Jan. 15, 2026

Where? Super Bowl TV advert

AMR26 arrives.
09.02.26 pic.twitter.com/du9lqgXIuR

What? Joint livery reveal and season launch

When? Jan. 15, 2026

Where? TBC

McLaren, Williams

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

Feb 11-13: Bahrain International Circuit

Feb. 18-20: Bahrain International Circuit