Private session to kick off new era of Formula 1

The first moment the new era of Formula 1 cars hit the track in 2026 will not be available for fans to see.

The first of three pre-season tests will be a private session held at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on January 26-30.

Attention will then turn to Bahrain’s Sakhir Circuit for two further tests from February 11-13 and 18-20.

Since 2019 pre-season testing has been broadcast on TV, however, the opening one of 2026 will not be screened anywhere.

The opening in Barcelona will be a completely private affair, exclusive to the teams.

As a result, there will not be any journalists or photographers or even the team’s media personnel are allowed into the Spanish venue, meaning the public will have to wait for their first glimpse of the new era cars in 2026.

In addition to the pre-season schedule, Formula 1 has also announced a tweak to the 2026 season.

The dates for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix have been amended slightly at the request of the promoters.

The 17th round of the 2026 season was originally scheduled for September 25-27.

Instead, the race has been moved a day forward, which means there will be two Saturday Grands Prix alongside Las Vegas.

Photo by Andrew Ferraro / LAT Images

Buy the new issue of Auto Action Premium HERE

Read the new issue of Auto Action Digital HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here or you can purchase a copy of the latest issue from one of our outlets here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine