F1 has confirmed that one of the three pre-season tests ahead of the 2026 season, when the regulations are substantially overhauled, will take place behind closed doors.
Next year will usher in a new era for the championship, with all-new power unit and chassis rules.
Therefore, there will be additional testing for the teams to better develop an understanding of their respective cars before the campaign commences with the Australian Grand Prix in early March.
The first test, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between 26-30 January 2026, will be a private test conducted by the teams.
The track and the teams have organised that test directly, and have elected for it to be completely private, as is allowable and defined within the regulations.
As a consequence of that, there will be no media present, including TV cameras and photographers, with only timing provided.
Thus, the first time the 2026 F1 cars hit the circuit, there will be no footage of it. Teams will be allowed to run for a maximum of three of those five days.
Doing so allows teams the space to experience any of the expected early-regulation issues without the gaze of the media and F1 fans.
The subsequent two tests, which are being run as usual by F1 and the FIA, will be fully open, as has become conventional for pre-season.
Both of those tests will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit, between 11-13 February and 18-20 February, respectively.
2026 F1 pre-season testing dates
| Test | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Barcelona | January 26 - January 30 |
| 2. | Bahrain | February 11 - February 13 |
| 3. | Bahrain | February 18 - February 20 |
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