F1 2026 car launches: When will teams present their 2026 challengers?
The 2025 Formula 1 season saw Lando Norris crowned world champion for the first time in his career, but the focus is already shifting to 2026 as teams begin confirming the launch dates for their new cars.
A major regulation reset and new power unit era are coming, and preparations are well underway for what promises to be one of the biggest changes in modern F1.
With pre-season testing confirmed and unveiling plans taking shape, fans now have a clearer picture of when they will first see the 2026 challengers.
The 2026 campaign officially begins at the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8, but the build-up starts much earlier.
Before the cars hit the track in Melbourne, teams will host launch events across January and February, revealing their new liveries, line-ups and technical directions for the year ahead.
There will also be a private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between January 26-30, a second test held at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 11-13 and a final test, also in Bahrain, between February 18-20 in preparation for the new F1 era.
Below is a breakdown of the launch schedule so far.
January 15 - Red Bull & Racing Bulls
The first official launch of the year comes from the Red Bull family, with Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls teaming up in a joint event in Detroit, Michigan.
The unveiling will include the debut of Red Bull Ford Powertrains, marking Ford’s entry as a power unit supplier for both teams.
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January 20 - Audi & Honda Engine
Audi will officially join the Formula 1 grid in 2026, taking over the current Kick Sauber entry.
Their first full livery launch will take place on January 20, followed by a public opening the next day.
The team previously teased a concept design, featuring titanium, carbon black and Audi red, and now prepares to reveal the full race-ready look.
January 23 - Alpine, Haas & Ferrari
A busy day in the F1 calendar sees three teams unveiling their cars or liveries on the same date.
Alpine will launch in Barcelona, just days before testing begins.
Haas will reveal their livery online, providing the first look at their 2026 visual identity ahead of on-track running.
Ferrari will also present their car, confirmed by team principal Fred Vasseur during his end-of-season press conference at Fiorano. More details are expected closer to the event.
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February 8 - Cadillac
Cadillac will mark the return of more than 10 teams to the F1 grid come 2026.
The American team's maiden car livery will be shown in a TV advert during the Super Bowl at California's Levi's Stadium, on Sunday, February 8.
February 9 - Aston Martin
Aston Martin will present the AMR26 on February 9. The announcement came through a social media teaser, hinting at a design emphasis ahead of Adrian Newey’s arrival as team principal.
Aston Martin's new partners, Honda, will hold their own event in Tokyo to officially begin their full return to F1 the month prior, on Tuesday, January 20.
Dates to be confirmed:
McLaren
Mercedes
Williams
