The first pre-season test ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season gets underway on Monday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Due to the introduction of new power unit regulations, testing is starting earlier than usual ahead of the opening race in Melbourne.
Rather than a single three-day test, three tests will take place before the Australian Grand Prix. The first is a behind-closed-doors five-day test in Barcelona.
While the test will run from January 26 to January 30, each team can only run on three of the five days.
McLaren and Ferrari have both already confirmed that they will not run on the opening day, while Williams will miss the entire test after withdrawing.
Each day, the track will go live at 09:00 local time (CET) and close at 17:00. Daylight permitting, running could be extended by an hour.
View the full schedule below.
F1 2026 Barcelona pre-season test schedule
| Day | Local (CET) | GMT | EST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, January 26 | 09:00 - 17:00 | 08:00 - 16:00 | 03:00 - 11:00 |
| Tuesday, January 27 | 09:00 - 17:00 | 08:00 - 16:00 | 03:00 - 11:00 |
| Wednesday, January 28 | 09:00 - 17:00 | 08:00 - 16:00 | 03:00 - 11:00 |
| Thursday, January 29 | 09:00 - 17:00 | 08:00 - 16:00 | 03:00 - 11:00 |
| Friday, January 30 | 09:00 - 17:00 | 08:00 - 16:00 | 03:00 - 11:00 |
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