With both chassis and power unit regulations changing at the same time, the 2026 season represents a complete reset for the competitive order, making every launch, colour reveal, and technical debut more significant than ever.
While some teams will unveil full cars, others will focus on liveries, branding, and power unit introductions. From Detroit to Tokyo, the 2026 Formula 1 launch season will unfold across three weeks of global presentations.
Red Bull & Racing Bulls – 15 January (Livery Reveal)
Red Bull and sister team Racing Bulls will be the first to go public. Both teams will reveal their 2026 liveries on 15 January at a joint event in Detroit alongside Red Bull Powertrains’ new partner, Ford Racing.
The event will showcase only the colour schemes, not the technical design of the cars.
Haas – 19 January
Haas will unveil its 2026 car and livery on 19 January. The launch was moved forward from 23 January to reduce calendar congestion.
This will mark the first Haas livery backed by Toyota as a title sponsor.
Audi – 20 January (Livery Reveal)
Audi will reveal the livery of its first-ever Formula 1 car on 20 January in Berlin. Fans will also be able to see the new colours in person the following day.
This presentation will focus on branding rather than the technical car.
Honda – 20 January (Power Unit Launch)
Honda will hold a standalone launch in Tokyo on 20 January, unveiling its 2026 power unit. This will mark the beginning of its new engine partnership with Aston Martin.
Mercedes – 22 January and 2 February
Mercedes will split its launch across two stages.
On 22 January, three days before pre-season testing begins in Barcelona, the team will release the first images of its 2026 car.
The full season launch will follow on 2 February, featuring the drivers, key staff and the W17.
Ferrari – 23 January
Ferrari will run one of the few full technical launches. The Scuderia plans to unveil its 2026 car on 23 January, expected to take place at Fiorano.
The presentation is set to include on-track footage, although only the “A-spec” version of the car will be shown.
Alpine – 23 January (Livery Reveal)
Alpine will present the livery of its A526 on 23 January in Barcelona, with Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly in attendance.
Only the colour scheme will be revealed.
Williams – 3 February (Livery Reveal)
Williams will unveil its 2026 livery on 3 February, a few days after the Barcelona test.
The team will use a special design selected by fans during pre-season running.
Cadillac – 8 February (Livery Reveal)
Cadillac will reveal its first Formula 1 livery during the Super Bowl on 8 February, marking a high-profile debut for the new entrant.
Aston Martin – 9 February
Aston Martin will unveil its Adrian Newey-designed, Honda-powered AMR26 on 9 February.
This will take place 10 days after the first closed-door Barcelona test, which runs from 26 to 30 January.
McLaren – 9 February
McLaren will also launch its 2026 car on 9 February, at the Bahrain International Circuit.
The reveal will take place immediately ahead of the first of two three-day pre-season tests in Bahrain.
2026 Formula 1 Launch Calendar
• 15 January – Red Bull & Racing Bulls
• 19 January – Haas
• 20 January – Audi & Honda
• 22 January – Mercedes (first images)
• 23 January – Ferrari & Alpine
• 2 February – Mercedes (full launch)
• 3 February – Williams
• 8 February – Cadillac
• 9 February – Aston Martin
• 9 February – McLaren
With the largest technical overhaul in modern Formula 1 history now only weeks away, the 2026 launch season will offer the first real clues as to how the new era may unfold, before the cars take to the track.
