Formula 1 and the FIA have made major changes to the F1 2026 calendar as well as pre-season testing schedule as the sport welcomes sweeping new technical regulations and adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.
The updates reflect Formula 1’s ongoing commitment to innovation, efficiency, and global appeal, ensuring that the championship remains at the forefront of motorsport while adapting to evolving logistical, environmental, and sporting demands.
The full 2026 F1 calendar will take teams and drivers across five continents starting with the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for the weekend of March 6-8, and will conclude with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from December 4-6.
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The Azerbaijan Grand Prix in particular has undergone a notable scheduling change. In response to a request from the event promoter and local government the Baku race has been moved forward to Saturday, September 26, to accommodate Azerbaijan Remembrance Day, which falls on Sept 27.
This adjustment means the race weekend will now commence with media activities on Wednesday, followed by practice sessions on Thursday, qualifying on Friday and the main event on Saturday.
Such flexibility demonstrates Formula 1’s willingness to collaborate closely with host nations to respect cultural and national observances while maintaining the integrity of the championship.
Equally significant are the changes to 2026 F1 pre-season testing schedule which has been meticulously crafted to help teams adapt to the new era of technical regulations.
With the introduction of all-new power unit and chassis rules, the need for comprehensive testing is paramount. To this end, Formula 1 and the FIA have announced a three-part pre-season testing program, designed to give teams ample opportunity to develop and refine their 2026 challengers.
The first of these tests will be a private session held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26-30. Unlike previous years, this test will be conducted behind closed doors with no media or television coverage permitted.
Only timing data will be made available and teams will be allowed to run for a maximum of three out of the five days.
This arrangement, organized directly between the teams and the circuit as permitted by FIA regulations, is intended to provide a controlled environment for initial shakedowns and data collection away from public scrutiny.
Following the Barcelona test attention will shift to the Bahrain International Circuit which will host the second and third pre-season tests. The first Bahrain test is scheduled for February 11-13 while the final test will take place from February 18-20.
Unlike the private Barcelona test both Bahrain sessions will be fully open to the media and public in line with recent pre-season testing traditions.
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