Yes, the time has finally arrived. Formula 1 is back on track. But before the season kicks off with the Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8, a packed pre-season awaits fans from all over the world.
Here is everything you need to know about what’s going to happen in the next six weeks.
Shakedown As Additional Test
GettyAudi R26 is Set to Make its Debut on the Barcelona Tarmac in the Shakedown Test.
From January 26 to 30, the teams can really test their cars on track at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The shakedown is an additional test for the teams – who crave plenty of data to analyze given the significant changes to regulations and technical requirements for the 2026 season.
The shakedown gives teams the chance to run their car without restrictions, unlike the 200 km limit on promotional tyres allowed during filming days. This allows them to verify that components on the new cars perform as intended.
F1 writer Lawrence Barretto explained in his January 19 article, “With this in mind, the rulemakers have opted to grow official pre-season testing from one to two events (both in Bahrain), while there’s also a shakedown week in Barcelona.”
He added, “In total, that’ll be nine days of running, six more than last year during pre-season. With the first race taking place at the start of March, it means testing had to be slotted in before that – and this is why we’ve got a January start.”
It’s a private event and teams are only allowed to run on three out of five days. As soon as one of their cars completes a lap, the allocated day counts, even if no additional laps are set that day.
This gives teams the flexibility to run when it best suits them. Some may choose to run on the first day, then spend the following day working on the car or waiting for new parts before running again on day three.
Others may prefer to wait until the final three days, giving themselves extra time to be fully prepared.
It also allows teams to respond to adverse weather conditions. If rain or snow is forecast for a particular day, it may be more beneficial to wait for clearer conditions to maximise the mileage they can collect.
The Barcelona test will, however, take place without Williams. The Williams F1 team will not have its new Formula 1 car ready in time for the first test runs and will therefore miss the test entirely.
Back to the Factories
So, what happens after Barcelona? Afterwards it’s back to the factories. The teams can work on the cars, figure out problems, fix these problems and develop their single-seater.
And: with seven down and four to go, the week after the shakedown week will be busy with more livery reveals.
February 3: Atlassian Williams
February 8: Cadillac
February 9: McLaren; Aston Martin
Only three days after the last reveal, the first pre-season test awaits drivers and fans. From February 11 to 13 and from February 18 to 20 the teams will test their cars at Bahrain International Circuit.
After the second test in Bahrain, the time has finally come. The cars are shipped to Australia, where it will finally be time again for “It’s lights out and away we go.”
F1 Shakedown Week: Everything You Need to Know