The 2026 Formula 1 season is upon us and with just six weeks until the first race in Australia, the teams are now preparing for a campaign of unknowns.
New regulations this season mean it is a clean slate for all 11 teams, with Cadillac the first new team on the grid since Haas in 2016. Audi have also taken over Sauber, with Ford partnering with Red Bull to build their own engines.
McLaren won both world championships last year, with Lando Norris claiming his first drivers’ title. Yet this season, Mercedes are rumoured to be the frontrunners, though we won’t know anything until we see the cars out on track.
This week’s test behind-closed-doors in Barcelona is the first of three pre-season sessions for the teams, with official tests in Bahrain next month (11-13 February and 18-20 February). However, Williams won’t be present this week due to delays to their car.
Follow live updates from F1 pre-season testing with The Independent.
Read MoreHow Lewis Hamilton is making his mark at Ferrari: ‘This car has a clear direction’
Williams make shock call to miss first F1 2026 test after ‘delays’ in car development
Christian Horner announces ‘exciting’ new venture ahead of 2026 F1 season
F1 PRE-SEASON TESTING - LATEST UPDATES
- F1 pre-season testing starts in Barcelona this week
- There will be eight hours of running each day (8am-5pm GMT) with a one-hour lunch break
- McLaren and Ferrari to feature on Tuesday
- Red Bull's Isack Hadjar was quickest on Monday; Russell 2nd; Colapinto 3rd
- Williams announced on Friday that they will not make this week's test due to 'delays'
NEW: F1 signs ‘incredible’ multi-year deal with Liverpool’s long-term sponsor
10:47 , Kieran JacksonFormula 1 has signed a multi-year deal with Standard Chartered, the long-term shirt sponsor of Liverpool FC.
The new partnership will see the British multinational bank support the all-female racing series, F1 Academy, and provide “enhanced trackside activations for its clients and guests.”
More below:
F1 signs ‘incredible’ multi-year deal with Liverpool’s long-term sponsor
NEW: F1 signs ‘incredible’ multi-year deal with Liverpool’s long-term sponsor
10:46 , Kieran JacksonFormula 1 has signed a multi-year deal with Standard Chartered, the long-term shirt sponsor of Liverpool FC.
The new partnership will see the British multinational bank support the all-female racing series, F1 Academy, and provide “enhanced trackside activations for its clients and guests.”
More below:
F1 signs ‘incredible’ multi-year deal with Liverpool’s long-term sponsor
Charles Leclerc back on track
10:33 , Kieran JacksonWith that initial downpour having passed, Leclerc is back out on the circuit for Ferrari.
Still no word yet on whether McLaren will take to the circuit today. If they don’t, we would expect to see them through all of the remaining days this week.
Williams make shock call to miss first F1 2026 test after ‘delays’ in car development
10:15 , Kieran JacksonWilliams have withdrawn from the private F1 pre-season test in Barcelona following “delays” to their car development programme.
James Vowles’s outfit, who boast an impressive driver pairing in Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, have long targeted 2026 and this new set of regulations as a year to work their way up the pecking order.
Yet following reports that the team’s 2026 car, the FW48, had failed the FIA’s mandatory crash tests, the team confirmed on Friday that they will not be present at the shakedown event for all 11 teams.
Video of Cadillac in action yesterday
10:10 , Kieran JacksonSimply awesome to have @Cadillac_F1 with us in 2026 🤩
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 27, 2026
Although remembering to say '11 teams' when talking about the grid instead of 10 takes some practice!#F1 pic.twitter.com/VapFh7AKTE
Rain in Barcelona
10:00 , Kieran JacksonTeams do have wet-weather tyres to test from Pirelli on-site this week, so a bit of rain doens’t completely mean no action on track.
Light rain is currently around the circuit.
Main thing of note so far this morning was Max Verstappen had a small moment at turn 5, kicking up some gravel on track, which triggered a brief red flag.
ICYMI - How Lewis Hamilton is making his mark at Ferrari: ‘This car has a clear direction’
09:50 , Kieran JacksonBy Kieran Jackson
Twelve months into his multi-year Ferrari contract, Lewis Hamilton’s re-emergence into the public domain on Friday did not carry the weight of giddiness and expectation of a year ago. In hindsight, perhaps the delirium of his debut season was a bit too much for all involved.
Yet 2026 is an open book – new regulations and potentially a new pecking order – and the first season in which Hamilton can fully stamp his imprint on a new-look car. Whether or not the boffins in Maranello have heeded the knowledge and experience of Hamilton’s 19 years in Formula 1, however, is another matter altogether.
Full piece below:
How Lewis Hamilton is making his mark at Ferrari: ‘This car has a clear direction’
McLaren update
09:45 , Kieran JacksonWe were expecting to see the world champions on track for the first time today.
However, light rain is falling now in Barcelona and the papaya outfit’s participation today is now in doubt.
Let’s see if they opt to run today...
Aston Martin update
09:40 , Kieran JacksonWhile Williams won’t be present in Barcelona this week, there was question marks surrounding Aston Martin’s involvement.
However, Aston’s car - the first designed by Adrian Newey - will be shipped to Barcelona on Tuesday, with the team targeting action on track on Thursday and Friday, provided they pass FIA checks tomorrow.
Max Verstappen sets new fastest time
09:33 , Kieran JacksonJust the two drivers out on track, but they’re big names.
Verstappen sets a new fastest time of the day, in the region of 1:20 dead, beating Leclerc’s best time by eight-tenths of a second. Again, more mileage for this Red Bull-Ford engine...
Charles Leclerc driving for Ferrari
09:08 , Kieran JacksonOne hour gone and we’re hearing that Charles Leclerc is Ferrari’s driver this morning and has completed 11 laps so far.
His fastest time is reported to be a 1:20:800 - a few seconds down on the best times from yesterday.
While overcast, it is still dry in Barcelona for the time being.
Max Verstappen also out on track this morning
08:40 , Kieran JacksonThe four-time world champion gets his first taste of the new Red Bull-Ford engine this morning.
His teammate Isack Hadjar went fastest yesterday - what can the Dutchman do today?
Who is NOT running today?
08:30 , Kieran JacksonThe following teams have already confirmed they will not feature today:
-Mercedes
-Audi
-Racing Buls
-Alpine
-Cadillac
-Haas
A reminder that teams can only run for three out of the five available days this week.
Ferrari first car out on track
08:20 , Kieran JacksonThe SF-26 does make its way out on the circuit - the first team to emerge from the garage this morning.
Where can I watch pre-season test?
08:10 , Kieran JacksonAs it is a private event, the test will not be broadcast or streamed on TV or online.
However, Sky Sports F1’s YouTube channel will show brief highlights every night at 9pm, with F1’s usual set of cameras present at the Barcelona circuit.
The FIA have confirmed that lap times will be published at the end of each day, too.
Day two underway
08:00 , Kieran JacksonTechnically, we are a go with the second day of pre-season testing.
However, with rain in the air in Barcelona, it’s currently unknown how many teams will take to the circuit today.
NEW: Mercedes postpone Tuesday plans
07:58 , Kieran JacksonWith rain on the forecast today, Mercedes have decided to suspend their second day of track action on Tuesday.
A short statement read: “With rain forecast for this afternoon, we’ve opted to postpone our second day of running and therefore won’t be on track today.”
George Russell after day one of testing:
07:55 , Kieran Jackson“It's great to be back out on track driving an F1 car once again! The cars looked really cool out on the circuit and that's positive for our sport. They are quite different for us as drivers but, once you get your head around it, driving them is quite intuitive.
“It's enjoyable being behind-the-wheel and I think there's a lot for fans to look forward to with these new regulations. We are pleased with our day, but I've also been impressed by several other teams too.
“The Red Bull power unit has completed a lot of laps which, given that it's their first engine they've built, means they've clearly done a good job. Haas also managed a similar amount of running to ourselves, so the Ferrari power unit has also put together plenty of mileage. It's not quite how it was in 2014!
“The sport has evolved so much since then and the level, in every single aspect, is so high now.”
What happened on Monday?
07:50 , Kieran JacksonRed Bull’s Isack Hadjar was the quickest car, followed by the Mercedes of George Russell. Here are the full timings:
- Isack Hadjar - 1:18:159
- George Russell - 1:18:696
- Franco Colapinto - 1:20:189
- Kimi Antonelli - 1:20:70
- Esteban Ocon - 1:21:301
- Liam Lawson - 1:21:513
- Valtteri Bottas - 1:24:651
- Gabriel Bortoleto - 1:25:296
- Sergio Pérez - 1:25:974
What are the timings in Barcelona?
07:45 , Kieran JacksonThe private ‘shakedown’ event for the teams will take place over five days, Monday-Friday, starting at 8am (GMT) and finishing at 5pm (GMT), with a one-hour lunch break at midday (GMT).
With eight hours of running a day, and teams able to run on a maximum of three days, teams could gather up to 24 hours of invaluable data for the season ahead.
Welcome back!
07:43 , Kieran JacksonThe 2026 Formula 1 season is upon us and with just six weeks until the first race in Australia, the teams are now preparing for a campaign of unknowns.
New regulations this season mean it is a clean slate for all 11 teams, with Cadillac the first new team on the grid since Haas in 2016. Audi have also taken over Sauber, with Ford partnering with Red Bull to build their own engines.
McLaren won both world championships last year, with Lando Norris claiming his first drivers’ title. Yet this season, Mercedes are rumoured to be the frontrunners, though we won’t know anything until we see the cars out on track.
This week’s test behind-closed-doors in Barcelona is the first of three pre-season sessions for the teams, with official tests in Bahrain next month (11-13 February and 18-20 February). However, Williams won’t be present this week due to delays to their car.
McLaren and Ferrari on Tuesday
Monday 26 January 2026 17:45 , Kieran JacksonWe’re set to see two giants of the sport on Tuesday in world champions McLaren and F1 titans Ferrari.
Join us again tomorrow morning at 8am (GMT) for more testing updates!
Esteban Ocon on Haas' day 1 of testing:
Monday 26 January 2026 17:30 , Kieran Jackson“The aim is really to learn, to get mileage under the car, you know, see the weak points, what we have to improve really.
“First feel of things, so we are sure that we take the right development path and we are sure that we put the resources where it matters the most. Where it's the most bothering us, so you know, we'll try and put all that together for that end of the test.
“It's a long week, which is very good and then we have the chance to go back to Bahrain with hopefully, further step made, so that's the aim.”
Leaderboard after day one
Monday 26 January 2026 17:15 , Kieran JacksonOnly nine drivers took part in running on Monday - here are their best times:
- Isack Hadjar - 1:18:159
- George Russell - 1:18:696
- Franco Colapinto - 1:20:189
- Kimi Antonelli - 1:20:70
- Esteban Ocon - 1:21:301
- Liam Lawson - 1:21:513
- Valtteri Bottas - 1:24:651
- Gabriel Bortoleto - 1:25:296
- Sergio Pérez - 1:25:974
Day one in Barcelona completed
Monday 26 January 2026 17:06 , Kieran JacksonIsack Hadjar leads the way then after day one of testing in Barcelona!
The Red Bull driver set the fastest time with a 1:18:159 - half-a-second quicker than George Russell in second.
Franco Colapinto completes the top-three.
FIRST LOOK: Audi on track in Barcelona
Monday 26 January 2026 16:50 , Kieran JacksonVolume up! 🔊
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 26, 2026
Here's a first look at Audi on track in Barcelona 👋#F1 pic.twitter.com/VVhJWvAAL9
Picture of Racing Bulls' 2026 car in Barcelona
Monday 26 January 2026 16:40 , Kieran Jackson Hadjar pips Russell
Monday 26 January 2026 16:25 , Kieran JacksonWe’re hearing that Isack Hadjar has just taken back top spot on the timing screens with a 1:18:452 - two-tenths faster than Russell’s 1:18:696.
Closing minutes now...
George Russell quickest with an hour left
Monday 26 January 2026 16:00 , Kieran JacksonWho’s looking like the main winner from day one? Mercedes.
George Russell has just clocked the quickest time of the day - a 1:18:696 - two-tenths quicker than Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar in second.
We’re heading into the final hour now...
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu on day one:
Monday 26 January 2026 15:45 , Kieran Jackson“In terms of mileage that we managed to do this morning [67 laps], it was really good,” the Haas boss said.
"But behind the scenes it’s a huge amount of work. I’m sure it’s the same for everyone, but to even make the shakedown and then do mileage was a huge task.
“That was Saturday and then coming from Fiorano to get us ready to run on Monday morning here and then to do 67 laps on day one morning was really good.
"So now we can start looking a bit more in the details. With this brand-new regulation, it’s very important to run. Every time we go out we learn something new.
"Obviously we've just got started, but I'm very, very happy with how we started.
F1 world champion odds:
Monday 26 January 2026 15:30 , Kieran JacksonF1 Drivers Championship 2026
- George Russell - 23/10
- Max Verstappen - 3/1
- Lando Norris - 11/2
- Fernando Alonso - 15/2
- Oscar Piastri, Kimi Antonelli- 9/1
- Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton - 14/1
- Carlos Sainz - 55/1
- Lance Stroll - 66/1
- Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, Valtteri Bottas, Ollie Bearman, Isack Hadjar - 100/1
Valtteri Bottas on 'unique' day one F1 test
Monday 26 January 2026 15:10 , Kieran Jackson“It’s great to be back!” Bottas said, having driven Cadillac’s car this morning.
“Also with this brand-new team in the sport, it’s a really unique situation. Really enjoyed getting back on track. This was the first time I drove this car so it was just good to be out there.
"Obviously performance-wise, I wouldn’t say much yet but the main thing is we got some running done and, at the end, we got a little bit of a longer run in too.
"So these are the first steps of de-bugging and getting everything to work better."
Latest F1 test timings
Monday 26 January 2026 14:56 , Kieran JacksonWhile official timings have not been disclosed, we’re hearing that George Russell has set a fastest lap time which puts him second on the leaderboard for the day, a tenth down on Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar.
Top-8:
- Isack Hadjar - 1:18:835
- George Russell - 1:18:942
- Kimi Antonelli - 1:20:700
- Franco Colapinto - 1:21:348
- Liam Lawson - 1:21:513
- Esteban Ocon - 1:22:920
- Valtteri Bottas - 1:24:651
- Gabriel Bortoleto - 1:25:296
Red Bull's engine boss Ben Hodgkinson on first test:
Monday 26 January 2026 14:40 , Kieran Jackson"The first test, always the challenge on a brand new set of regulations, is just track time,’ he said, ahead of this week’s test.
"I seem to remember in 2014 [when F1's hybrid engines were introduced and Hodgkinson was at Mercedes] that a lot of teams really struggled just to get the car round.
"And the team that ended up being dominant for that year [Mercedes] ended up just doing lap after lap after lap.
"So it is just trying to give the trackside team and the drivers just a clear run at it. So trouble-free is what the aim is."
Photos of the Mercedes W17
Monday 26 January 2026 14:30 , Kieran Jackson Haas first car out on track
Monday 26 January 2026 14:05 , Kieran JacksonA slow resumption after lunch, but Esteban Ocon’s Haas is the first car out the blocks in the afternoon session...
Sergio Perez on Cadillac's F1 debut this year:
Monday 26 January 2026 13:45 , Kieran Jackson"I definitely want to go all the way with this team," Perez told BBC’s F1: Back at Base podcast.
"I want to enjoy the journey with them and I'm pretty confident that we will be able to progress extremely quickly.
"Cadillac is here to do great things."
First photos of Red Bull cars
Monday 26 January 2026 13:35 , Kieran JacksonIsack Hadjar and Liam Lawson - teammates last season - feature in these F1 photos of the Red Bull and Racing Bull cars in the pit-lane.
Cadillac F1 boss wades in on pre-season row: ‘We have a fully legal engine’
Monday 26 January 2026 13:24 , Kieran JacksonCadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon is satisfied that his new F1 team have a “fully legal engine” via partners Ferrari amid the row brewing ahead of the 2026 season.
Last week, Red Bull’s engine boss said he “couldn’t understand” why a row had broken out, yet Cadillac team boss Lowdon, in charge of F1’s first new team since 2016, has thrown his support behind the Ferrari power unit his team will use this year.
Full story below:
Cadillac F1 boss wades in on pre-season row: ‘We have a fully legal engine’
Afternoon session starts
Monday 26 January 2026 13:00 , Kieran JacksonAnd we’re a go with the next 4 hours of running in Barcelona!
No word yet on whether George Russell or Max Verstappen will appear for Mercedes and Red Bull respectively...
NEW: Nurburgring series moves March race to accommodate F1 star Max Verstappen
Monday 26 January 2026 12:55 , Kieran JacksonThe 2026 Nurburgring racing series has moved its second round in March to accommodate the potential appearance of Max Verstappen at the event.
Four-time F1 world champion Verstappen obtained his A-licence last September to race the infamous 12.94-mile Nordschleife circuit, known as “The Green Hill.” He then won his first GT3 race a few weeks later.
Verstappen, 28, has admitted he would like to appear at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring event in May, which falls between F1 races in Miami and Montreal. However, the Dutchman acknowledged he needed to take part in one NLS (Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie) endurance race in order to be ready to compete in the 24-hour event.
Now, the series have announced that they’ve moved the second round of the 2026 NLS season by one week, to 21 March, to “enable top-tier drivers to compete.” The previous date, 28 March, clashed with F1’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Full story below:
Nurburgring series moves March race to accommodate Max Verstappen
ICYMI: Alpine confirm Christian Horner interest
Monday 26 January 2026 12:40 , Kieran JacksonAlpine revealed on Sunday that former Red Bull boss Christian Horner is among a group interested in investing in the Formula 1 team.
Horner was sacked as team principal following July’s British Grand Prix before his official exit was agreed in September, leaving the 52-year-old free to return to the sport.
Alpine said it was “no secret” that Otro Capital had held preliminary talks to sell its stake in the team, which finished bottom of the constructors’ championship standings last season.
Full story below:
Christian Horner considers investment in Alpine after Red Bull exit
ICYMI: How Lewis Hamilton is making his mark at Ferrari. -‘This car has a clear direction’
Monday 26 January 2026 12:20 , Kieran JacksonBy Kieran Jackson
Twelve months into his multi-year Ferrari contract, Lewis Hamilton’s re-emergence into the public domain on Friday did not carry the weight of giddiness and expectation of a year ago. In hindsight, perhaps the delirium of his debut season was a bit too much for all involved.
Yet 2026 is an open book – new regulations and potentially a new pecking order – and the first season in which Hamilton can fully stamp his imprint on a new-look car. Whether or not the boffins in Maranello have heeded the knowledge and experience of Hamilton’s 19 years in Formula 1, however, is another matter altogether.
Full piece below:
How Lewis Hamilton is making his mark at Ferrari: ‘This car has a clear direction’
Hadjar quickest this morning
Monday 26 January 2026 12:09 , Kieran JacksonThe Red Bull driver has just gone quicker, setting a 1:18:835, nearly two seconds quicker than Kimi Antonelli (1:20:700) in second!
3. Franco Colapinto - 1:21:348
4. Liam Lawson - 1:21:864
5. Esteban Ocon - 1:24:520
6. Valtteri Bottas - 1:24:651
7. Gabriel Bortoleto - 1:25:296
And they’ve now broken for a lunch break.
Isack Hadjar sets the pace
Monday 26 January 2026 11:50 , Kieran JacksonThe Red Bull driver has gone top of the standings in the last 30 mins or so, with a time of 1:20:300, according to reports.
Kimi Antonelli is four-tenths of a second off, as this morning’s session draws to a close.
Shoud be stressed how little should be read into times at this stage, given we don’t know what run-plans or tyre compounds the teams are prioritising. It’s mostly about reliability checks...
Audi announce signing of British driver
Monday 26 January 2026 11:29 , Kieran JacksonAway from the Barcelona test, Audi have announced the signing of British driver Freddie Slater to their new driver development programme.
The 17-year-old will race in Formula 3 this season with Trident Motorsport.
Slater said: “Joining forces with a respected team like Trident Motorsport for Formula 3 and having the backing of Audi Revolut F1 Team is a massive opportunity. I am fully focused on working hard and making the most of this pivotal step towards my goal of reaching Formula One."
One hour left of morning session
Monday 26 January 2026 11:05 , Kieran JacksonWith just an hour left before the lunch break, these are the lap times being widely reported on social media:
- Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes: 24 laps, 1:22.352
- Liam Lawson, VCARB: 20 laps, 1:23.113
- Isack Hadjar, Red Bull: 13 laps, 1:23.606
- Franco Colapinto, Alpine: 15 laps, 1:24.277
- Esteban Ocon, Haas: 31 laps, 1:25.060
- Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi: 27 laps, 1:25.296
- Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac: 10 laps. 1:31.853
Second red flag
Monday 26 January 2026 10:55 , Kieran JacksonAudi’s Gabriel Bortoleto has stopped on the uphill final sector of the Barcelona circuit, around turn 11.
There are marshals on track who have wheeled the car away...
Not ideal for the new German team.
First red flag
Monday 26 January 2026 10:29 , Kieran JacksonReports are coming in that we have our first red flag of 2026.
Franco Colapinto’s Alpine car is said to have stopped at the pit-exit.
A brief stoppage and we’re back to green-flag conditions...
Red Bull back on track
Monday 26 January 2026 10:20 , Kieran JacksonHaving spent an hour in the garage between 9am-10am (GMT), Red Bull are back out on track.
We’re hearing Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli has set the fastest lap so far, a 1:22:352, but that’s unconfirmed.
Cadillac start their F1 journey
Monday 26 January 2026 10:10 , Kieran JacksonA proud moment for F1’s 11th team this morning!
The journey begins for @Cadillac_F1 🌟#F1 pic.twitter.com/95ovhgfQVy
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 26, 2026
Mercedes and Audi dominate first 90 minutes
Monday 26 January 2026 09:40 , Kieran JacksonWe’re hearing Mercedes and Audi - the first two teams out on track this morning - are the teams who’ve been most present out on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this morning.
First sign of cars in the pit-lane!
Monday 26 January 2026 09:20 , Kieran JacksonWe have our first video from F1 of cars in the pit-lane in Barcelona.
And the 2026 Shakedown is under way... 👀
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 26, 2026
Three teams waste no time in taking to the track!#F1 pic.twitter.com/nGNiHns8cs
Red Bull release images of actual 2026 F1 car
Monday 26 January 2026 09:07 , Kieran JacksonWhile they unveiled their livery 10 days ago in Detroit, Red Bull have revealed photos of their actual 2026 car this morning, prior to the car being seen on track:
McLaren chief designer Rob Marshall on the MCL40
Monday 26 January 2026 08:55 , Kieran JacksonMarshall, formerly of Red Bull, is the man credited for McLaren’s championship-winning car last year:
"I think what you see is probably pretty much what we'll bring to the first race. A lot of our effort will be going into understanding this. Also we need to take into account what the opposition are up to.
“We need to be inspired by what they may or may not achieve, and may or may not show us. We really are going to have to be very focused on getting our heads around these cars. It's very complicated. It's all new.
“There's a lot of stuff that we need to dial in and tune in, so I think bringing a lot of new stuff to it early doors would complicate things, and I think we're better off understanding our platform before we get too keen on redesigning it before it's turned a wheel."
PICTURES: McLaren's shakedown livery
Monday 26 January 2026 08:50 , Kieran JacksonThis is what we’ll see on track from the reigning champions this week.
McLaren unveil their actual 2026 livery on Monday 9 February, prior to the second test in Bahrain.
All 7 teams out on track
Monday 26 January 2026 08:44 , Kieran JacksonThe teams we know are running today have all started their programmes today, so I’m told, in the first half-an-hour.
Mercedes the first out... making an early statement, perhaps?!
What teams are on track today?
Monday 26 January 2026 08:40 , Kieran JacksonThe teams we’re expecting on track today are as follows:
- Mercedes
- Red Bull
- Audi
- Racing Bulls
- Cadillac
- Haas
- Alpine
Ferrari and McLaren will drive tomorrow. Aston Martin’s participation - and when - is unknown while Williams will not be present this week.
Franco Colapinto and Kimi Antonelli first cars out on track
Monday 26 January 2026 08:30 , Kieran JacksonTwo Mercedes powered cars, with Alpine ditching their engine programme and taking Mercdes power units from this season, are the first 2026 cars out on track in Barcelona.
Audi are also out on track in their debut season.
What info will we receive today?
Monday 26 January 2026 08:19 , Kieran JacksonGiven it’s the first time the 10 teams taking part will trial their new cars, we’re expecting a sparsity of information throughout the day.
The F1 teams will be issuing up to 12 images a day (6 of the cars, and 6 of other aspects of the day e.g. the garage, personnel etc) and will also be putting out a three-minute social media video.
F1 will be posting content on their social and digital channels as well as capturing interviews. Lap times will be shared at the end of the day while Sky Sports will air a highlights package every day at 9pm.
Other than that, we’ll be keeping an eye out for onlookers in Barcelona able to sneak a view through the fencing!
Red Bull unveil their RB22 car:
Monday 26 January 2026 08:11 , Kieran JacksonThis is what we’ll see this week in Barcelona.
You've seen the livery, time to meet RB22 💙#F1 || #RedBullRacing pic.twitter.com/wSFycHutVY
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) January 26, 2026
TESTING BEGINS!
Monday 26 January 2026 08:00 , Kieran JacksonHere we go - Formula 1 pre-season testing is underway!
What are the pre-season dates?
Monday 26 January 2026 07:55 , Kieran JacksonAfter Barcelona, there will then be two official pre-season tests in Bahrain on 11-13 February and 18-20 February.
The 2026 season starts with the Australian Grand Prix on 8 March.
Christian Horner announces ‘exciting’ new venture ahead of 2026 F1 season
Monday 26 January 2026 07:45 , Kieran JacksonChristian Horner has announced a speaking tour in Australia ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The former Red Bull F1 boss, who was sacked last summer after leading the team for 20 years since its inception, received a reported £80m pay-off as part of the terms of his exit.
Horner, 52, can return to the sport from this spring and is eyeing a route back into the paddock, with French team Alpine the most likely destination.
However, a week before the 2026 season starts in Australia on 8 March, the British executive is embarking on a new challenge: a three-day speaking tour down under.
Full piece below:
Christian Horner announces ‘exciting’ new venture ahead of 2026 F1 season
Where can I watch pre-season test?
Monday 26 January 2026 07:30 , Kieran JacksonAs it is a private event, the test will not be broadcast or streamed on TV or online.
However, Sky Sports F1’s YouTube channel will show brief highlights every night at 9pm, with F1’s usual set of cameras present at the Barcelona circuit.
The FIA have confirmed that lap times will be published at the end of each day, too.
What are the timings in Barcelona?
Monday 26 January 2026 06:58 , Kieran JacksonThe private ‘shakedown’ event for the teams will take place over five days, Monday-Friday, starting at 8am (GMT) and finishing at 5pm (GMT), with a one-hour lunch break at midday (GMT).
With eight hours of running a day, and teams able to run on a maximum of three days, teams could gather up to 24 hours of invaluable data for the season ahead.
F1 pre-season testing:
Monday 26 January 2026 06:55 , Kieran JacksonThe 2026 Formula 1 season is upon us and with just six weeks until the first race in Australia, the teams are now preparing for a campaign of unknowns.
New regulations this season mean it is a clean slate for all 11 teams, with Cadillac the first new team on the grid since Haas in 2016. Audi have also taken over Sauber, with Ford partnering with Red Bull to build their own engines.
McLaren won both world championships last year, with Lando Norris claiming his first drivers’ title. Yet this season, Mercedes are rumoured to be the frontrunners, though we won’t know anything until we see the cars out on track.
This week’s test behind-closed-doors in Barcelona is the first of three pre-season sessions for the teams, with official tests in Bahrain next month (11-13 February and 18-20 February). However, Williams won’t be present this week due to delays to their car.
