Detroit, January 15, 2026
Formula 1’s Launch Season Heats Up with Early Car Reveals
Table of Contents
Teams are unveiling their 2026 machines earlier than usual, offering fans a first look at the new generation of Formula 1 cars.
- Formula 1’s “launch season” – the period when teams reveal their new cars – is starting earlier in 2026.
- The shift is due to overhauled regulations aimed at creating more agile cars and improved racing.
- Several teams have already announced reveal dates, with events planned across Europe and even in the United States.
- Preseason testing will also begin earlier, with sessions in Barcelona and Bahrain.
The anticipation is building as Formula 1 prepares for a significant shakeup in 2026, and the unveiling of the new cars is kicking off sooner than fans are accustomed to. The changes, focused on enhancing agility and race quality, are prompting an earlier start to both car launches and preseason testing. Forget waiting until February; the reveals are already beginning in January.
What’s driving this early reveal schedule? The overhauled regulations for the 2026 season are the primary catalyst, pushing teams to showcase their interpretations of the new ruleset sooner rather than later.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls
F1 2026 🔜#F1 || #RedBullRacing pic.twitter.com/H4dgaagnvx
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) November 11, 2025
Red Bull and Racing Bulls will host a joint livery reveal and season launch event on January 15, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.
Audi
Audi is set to launch its team and unveil its livery on January 20, 2026, in Berlin, Germany.
Honda (power unit)
You heard it here first. Our soundtrack for 2026 🔊
#F1 pic.twitter.com/W44ddc63dM
— Honda Racing F1 (@HondaRacingF1) December 12, 2025
Honda will launch its power unit for Aston Martin on January 20, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan.
Mercedes
Mercedes is planning a livery reveal on January 22, 2026, which will be held online.
Alpine
We’ve got something to show you…
23.01.26@MSCCruisesUSA pic.twitter.com/EsLSlTQ0C9
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) December 2, 2025
Alpine will reveal either its car or livery on January 23, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain, ahead of preseason testing.
Haas
Haas is scheduled to reveal its livery on January 23, 2026, online.
Ferrari
Ferrari’s launch details are currently to be confirmed (TBC).
When? January 23, 2026
Where? TBC
Cadillac
The livery is set. See you Super Bowl Sunday 👀
Mark your calendars 🔗 https://t.co/8AvMbPRebR pic.twitter.com/v4OhtpzG5k
— Cadillac Formula 1 Team (@Cadillac_F1) December 3, 2025
Cadillac will unveil its livery during a Super Bowl TV advertisement on January 15, 2026.
Aston Martin
AMR26 arrives.
09.02.26 pic.twitter.com/du9lqgXIuR— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) December 1, 2025
Aston Martin will host a joint livery reveal and season launch on January 15, 2026, with the location yet to be confirmed (TBC).
Yet to be confirmed
McLaren, Williams
What are the preseason testing dates?
Jan. 26-30: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (behind closed doors)
Feb 11-13: Bahrain International Circuit
Feb. 18-20: Bahrain International Circuit
