F1 is set for a major rules overhaul in 2026, with both the power units and chassis undergoing radical changes in the biggest shake-up to grand prix racing.
The power units are being resculptured with the removal of the MGU-H and beefed-up electrical systems set to provide nearly three times as much battery power, up to 350kwh, up from the current 120kw.
Elsewhere, fully synthetic fuels will be used as the chassis adopts active aerodynamics, fundamentally re-shaping how drivers are set to manage races.
There is also a new team, as Cadillac become the 11th squad on the grid, with Audi also joining, taking over the Stake outfit as Sauber officially departs F1.
But before the cars race, they will be unveiled via the return of F1's 'launch season', which was not held in 2025 due to the special 'F1 75' launch event at London's 02.
A caveat must be made, however, in that for reasons of secrecy, teams are unlikely to present their actual 2026 machines at the events, and instead, the new liveries will largely feature.
For the full confirmed list of 2026 F1 car launches, check out the table below!
NOTE: The Red Bull and Racing Bulls launch in January is part of Ford Motorsport's season launch, with just the 2026 liveries expected to be unveiled and not the actual cars.
This table will be updated after every team announces its 2026 launch plans.
F1 2026: Every confirmed car launch date
| Team | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Red Bull | January 15th - SEASON LAUNCH | Detroit, Michigan |
| Racing Bulls | January 15th - SEASON LAUNCH | Detroit, Michigan |
| Alpine | January 23rd - SEASON LAUNCH | Barcelona |
| Aston Martin | February 9th | Saudi Arabia |
| McLaren | TBA | TBA |
| Mercedes | TBA | TBA |
| Ferrari | TBA | TBA |
| Williams | TBA | TBA |
| Haas | TBA | TBA |
| Audi | TBA | TBA |
| Cadillac | TBA | TBA |
Don't miss out on any of the Formula 1 action thanks to this handy 2026 F1 calendar that can be easily loaded into your smartphone or PC.
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