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Bahrain is set to give fans their first glimpse of the next generation of Formula 1 cars, with pre-season testing scheduled at the Bahrain International Circuit next month.
The 2026 season arrives with high anticipation following an epic 2025, which saw a three-way title fight go down to the final round and McLaren’s Lando Norris finally emerged as the champion, unseating defending champion Max Verstappen. One of the biggest talking points is the sweeping set of new regulations.
Cars will be smaller and lighter, with an altered approach to aerodynamics, including active wings that can change configuration depending on track conditions. Power units will see the largest change since 2014, with a roughly 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical energy, removal of the complex Motor Generator Unit – Heat (MGU-H), and full use of sustainable fuels.
Drivers will have new tools for overtaking, including creative deployment of recovered energy and a manual boost mode similar to Drag Reduction System (DRS).
The grid will also feature four world champions for the first time in four years.
Carrying the number 1 on his McLaren, Norris joins Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen, and Fernando Alonso, combining for 14 titles among them.
2026 also brings a new Grand Prix in Madrid, joining the existing Barcelona-Catalunya race.
The Madrid venue, built around the IFEMA exhibition centre, will feature a mix of street circuit challenges and high-speed sections, including a banked turn called La Monumental and notable elevation changes, offering teams and drivers a fresh puzzle.
The grid expands to 22 cars, with Cadillac entering as a full constructor with experienced drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
Ford is partnering with Red Bull Powertrains, while Audi takes over Sauber to field its own power unit, adding further depth and competition.
Aston Martin is teaming up with Honda once again, with Adrian Newey stepping in as team principal, raising expectations for a push up the grid.
There is also a new generation of talent to follow. Arvid Lindblad is taking a race seat with Racing Bulls after a rapid rise through junior categories, while Isack Hadjar partners Max Verstappen at Red Bull, creating a fresh dynamic on the grid.
With new rules, fresh rivalries and new tracks, the 2026 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet and fans worldwide have plenty to follow even before the opening race in Melbourne lights up the calendar.
On January 15, Red Bull and Racing Bulls will present their liveries at a joint event in Detroit, marking the debut of Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
Mercedes will then release the first digital renders of the W17 on January 22, providing a glimpse of their car before the full launch show on February 2.
Cadillac will unveil their livery during the Super Bowl on February 8.
A five-day private session of pre-season testing will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain from January 26 to 30, allowing teams to get hands-on experience with new machinery.
The action moves to Bahrain for the second pre-season test from February 11 to 13 and the final pre-season test from February 18 to 20, offering the last chance to fine-tune cars before the season opener.
The championship officially begins with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6 to 8, followed by China and Japan, before heading to Bahrain from April 10 to 12 for the fourth round of the 2026 season.
