Formula 1 and the FIA have announced the dates for 2026 pre-season testing, with three tests set to take place in Barcelona and Bahrain, Afrosport reports.
The first test will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between January 26 and 30, while the second test will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit between February 11 and 13.
Bahrain will remain the venue for the third and final test between February 18 and 20 before the season proper commences with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.
F1 and the FIA also confirmed that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been moved from Sunday, September 27, to Saturday, September 26, to accommodate a national day following a request from the race promoter and relevant government stakeholders.
2026 Pre-season Testing = CONFIRMED! 🗓️
A new era will begin with three pre-season tests across 11 days, in Spain and Bahrain#F1 pic.twitter.com/dcgkSTUW4o
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 30, 2025
This means, each event for the Grand Prix will be shifted a day earlier. First and second practice will now take place on Thursday, September 24, while third practice and qualifying will take place on Friday, September 25.
The 2026 F1 calendar remains 24 races, with the all-new Madrid Grand Prix making its first-ever entry and replacing the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
