F1 LAUNCHES: When will the teams be presenting their new cars for the 2026 season?

While the 2025 campaign is yet to reach its conclusion, preparations are already well underway for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the teams beginning to announce their launch dates for next year.

Pre-season testing plans have previously been confirmed ahead of the 24-round calendar getting underway, the first event being the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8.

This will include a 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.

Meanwhile the teams will host their own launch events before the season kicks off in Melbourne – and we’ve rounded up all of the key dates that have been confirmed so far, and will add to this article as and when new dates are announced.

January 15 – Red Bull/Racing Bulls launch

The Red Bull family were the first to announce their unveiling plans for 2026, with the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls outfits teaming up – alongside Ford – to reveal their respective liveries in a joint event.

With the new season marking Red Bull Ford Powertrains’ debut as a power unit manufacturer for both squads, the launch will be held at the United States home of Ford in Detroit, Michigan, on January 15.

January 20 – Audi launch

One of the new names on the grid in 2026, Audi, announced that they would be holding their official launch on January 20, 2026, as they prepare to take Kick Sauber's spot on the F1 grid.

They will present their full race livery before holding a public opening on the following day, allowing fans to experience the unique occasion after they revealed an early concept livery in November, featuring titanium, carbon black and Audi red as the predominant colours.

January 23 – Alpine launch

Alpine announced via social media that their launch will be held in Barcelona on January 23, meaning that it will take place just a few days before the first pre-season test gets underway.

The team did not share further details about the nature of their event, but added the caption: “We've got something to show you...”

January 23 – Haas livery reveal

On the same day as Alpine, Haas will also unveil the livery that will adorn their 2026 challenger online.

January 23 – Ferrari

Completing a hat-trick of launches on the Friday before the private pre-season testing in Barcelona, Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur confirmed the team's launch date during his annual Christmas end-of-season press conference at Fiorano, Italy.

February 9 – Aston Martin launch

Aston Martin have announced that they will launch their 2026 car – the AMR26 – on February 9.

While the British team did not reveal further details of the unveiling, the news was confirmed via a social media post showing a pencil drawing the name of the car, perhaps as a nod to designer Adrian Newey becoming Team Principal as of next season.