Formula 1 is on the brink of a transformative new chapter in 2026, with sweeping regulation changes to car aerodynamics and power units guaranteeing that this winter’s launch season is among the most highly anticipated in recent memory.
With pre-season testing scheduled to begin at the end of January — starting with private, behind-closed-doors running in Barcelona — teams are expected to unveil their 2026 liveries and cars earlier than usual as preparations intensify for a 24-race season that gets underway in March.
Below is the latest confirmed information on 2026 car and livery reveal dates, with more announcements to be added as teams finalise their plans.
1. Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls
15 January 2026
Both Red Bull-owned teams will launch their new-era looks together as they begin life with new power unit regulations.
Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will unveil their respective 2026 liveries on Thursday, 15 January 2026, at the Detroit headquarters of engine partner Ford. The reveals will take place as part of Ford’s wider season launch event for its racing programmes, hosted at the redeveloped Michigan Central Station.
This marks a symbolic moment as the Red Bull teams enter a new era of engine partnerships.
2. Alpine
23 January 2026
Alpine have teased their own launch plans with the message “we’ve got something to show you”, confirming an event on Friday 23 January 2026 — just three days before the opening private test of pre-season in Barcelona.
The team are targeting a significant reset under F1’s new rules, having endured a difficult 2025 season that saw them finish last in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship. Alpine shifted focus early to 2026 and will also debut a major technical change, replacing their long-standing Renault works engines with customer Mercedes power units, widely expected to be among the strongest under the new regulations.
3. Haas
23 January 2026
Haas will also use the Friday before the first test to launch their 2026 look.
Like Alpine, the American team will unveil the livery for their VF-26 car online on 23 January 2026, giving fans their first glimpse of how Haas will present itself heading into the new regulatory cycle.
F1 2026 pre-season testing
4. Cadillac
8 February 2026
Formula 1’s newest American entry will make its first major statement during the country’s biggest sporting spectacle.
Cadillac will unveil its maiden F1 livery in a television advertisement during the Super Bowl, which this year takes place at Levi’s Stadium in California on Sunday, 8 February 2026. The reveal will mark the first official look at the team’s Formula 1 identity.
5. Aston Martin
9 February 2026
One of the most anticipated moments of the entire launch season will arrive on Monday, 9 February 2026, when Aston Martin reveals their 2026 challenger.
The AMR26 will be the first Aston Martin designed by legendary engineer Adrian Newey and will run Honda power. The car will be unveiled two days before the first public pre-season test begins in Bahrain.
Dates still to be confirmed
What are the new regulations for F1 in 2026?
The 2026 season will introduce a full reset of Formula 1’s technical framework, with extensive changes to power units, chassis design and aerodynamic rules. The resulting cars are expected to look and behave very differently to those currently on the grid.
Major regulation changes have historically reshaped the competitive order in F1, with the 2026 overhaul seen as the biggest changes ever seen in F1 history.
Teams have been working on their 2026 projects for several years already, with the regulations set to remain in place for five seasons. Getting the concept right early could define success for years — much as Mercedes’ dominance under the 2014 regulations lasted until 2016 before Ferrari and Red Bull closed the gap.
Among the headline changes, DRS will be removed and replaced by active, moving aerodynamic elements. The new cars are expected to follow more closely, promoting more wheel-to-wheel racing and increased overtaking throughout the field.
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