Start, Baku, sprint race, 2023

The first cars built to Formula 1’s new technical regulations for 2026 will run behind closed doors for five days before being seen in public.

F1 has confirmed it will hold three separate pre-season tests for the new machines. The first will be held much earlier than usual over five days at the end of January.

The Circuit de Catalunya in Spain will host the “private test”, F1 confirmed. It will take place from January 26th to 30th.

Two further tests will follow before the season begins. Both of these will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit, from 11th-13th and 18th-20th February.

The season is due to begin two weeks after that in Australia.

The 11 days of pre-season testing represents a substantial increase over the three held this year. F1 is introducing extensively revised regulations for next year, including new power units, smaller tyres and greater use of moveable aerodynamics.

The first test of next year is also expected to see the debut of Cadillac’s new F1 team.

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Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed one change to next year’s schedule. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which is round 17 on the 2026 F1 calendar, has been moved forwards by one day. It will now take place on Saturday 26th September instead of the following Sunday.

Formula One Management said in a statement the change was made “following a request from the Azerbaijan promoter and relevant government stakeholders… to accommodate a national day.”

This will be the first time Azerbaijan’s round of the world championship takes place on a Saturday instead of the usual Sunday. The Las Vegas Grand Prix always takes place on a Saturday, and some other rounds have done so in order to accommodate religious festivals, such as the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix.

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