Formula 1 teams will have more time to test their new cars for the 2026 rules overhaul, with the first test scheduled for late January in Barcelona, Autosport has learned. For the past three years, F1 teams have had just three days of official testing before the start of the championship.

With the sweeping regulation changes set for 2026, Formula 1 will introduce an entirely new generation of cars. Given the scale of these changes, the sport intends to extend winter testing to allow teams more preparation time.

Formula 1 teams will benefit from extended pre-season testing ahead of the 2026 regulatory changes. The first test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, from January 26-30, 2026, offers more time to address new power units and chassis adjustments.