Ahead of the introduction of the all-new technical regulation for the 2026 season, F1Technical’s senior writer Balazs Szabo reveals when teams are set to launch their cars.
Formula One is entering a transformative moment. The 2026 regulations — covering aerodynamics, power units, energy deployment, and tyres — represent the most comprehensive overhaul since the introduction of hybrid power in 2014.
With lighter cars, active aerodynamics, a 50/50 hybrid split, and new tyre dimensions, the sport is preparing for a fundamentally different style of racing.
This shift has had a direct impact on the traditional launch calendar. Instead of the familiar February unveilings, teams are now revealing their 2026 challengers in mid‑January, giving themselves maximum time to validate systems before the first private multi‑team test in Barcelona.
The result is one of the earliest and most compressed launch seasons in modern F1 history.
Red Bull & Racing Bulls — 15 January, Detroit
Red Bull Racing will open the 2026 launch season with a joint event in Detroit, marking the public debut of their new Red Bull–Ford partnership.
While the event is expected to focus on livery and branding rather than a full car reveal, it will set the tone for the team’s transition into the new hybrid era. The choice of Detroit — the heart of American automotive culture — underscores Ford’s renewed commitment to Formula One.
“The launch of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era represents not only a bold step into the future, but a powerful expression of what’s possible when world-class engineering, innovation, and passion come together. To see the energy, precision, and scale behind this project is inspiring.
“It’s the culmination of several years of collaboration between two great names in motorsport. We’re incredibly excited to begin this new chapter, driven by the same determination and excellence that defines both Ford and Red Bull,” said Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies.
Audi (Sauber) — 20 January, Berlin
Audi’s first full works‑team presentation is one of the most anticipated events of the year. The Berlin launch will formally introduce Audi as a constructor, replacing Sauber and bringing a new manufacturer identity to the grid. With a brand‑new power unit and a long‑term commitment to F1, Audi’s arrival is one of the defining storylines of the 2026 season.
Ferrari — 23 January, Fiorano
Ferrari will unveil its 2026 car at Fiorano, followed immediately by a shakedown run. This approach reflects the urgency inside Maranello as the team seeks to re‑establish itself as a consistent title contender.
The Fiorano launch also allows Ferrari to gather early data on the radically different 2026 chassis and power unit architecture.
Alpine — 23 January, Barcelona
Alpine is expected to reveal its 2026 challenger at the Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya, just ahead of the private test. The team enters the new era with a fresh engine partnership, switching to Mercedes power for the first time.
The launch will offer the first look at how Alpine has integrated the new power unit into its chassis concept.
Haas — 23 January
Haas will also present its 2026 car on 23 January, aligning its reveal with the Barcelona test window. With a new technical structure and a renewed focus on in‑house development, the team sees 2026 as an opportunity to reset its competitive trajectory.
Cadillac (11th team) — 8 February, Super Bowl Halftime Reveal
The grid’s newest entrant will take a dramatically different approach. Cadillac plans to reveal its 2026 livery during the Super Bowl halftime show — a move that reflects the team’s ambition to reach a mainstream American audience. While the reveal comes later than the others, it will be one of the most widely viewed launches in F1 history.