McLaren rounds out the grid as 2026 F1 launch schedule finalized

11:01, 10 Jan

Updated: 16:00, 14 Jan

byKada Sarkozi

Preparations for the 2026 season are already well underway. This is when the F1 teams will launch their next cars for the upcoming campaign.

January 15 - Red Bull and Racing Bulls

Red Bull Racing's 2026 launch will take place on January 15, this website was the first to reveal back in October. The event will take place in Detroit, Michigan, the home of Ford. Entering the new regulation cycle, the Austrian team will use an in-house power unit created in collaboration with the brand.

Racing Bulls' 2026 challenger will also be presented at the same event in the United States.

January 19 - Haas F1

Haas' car launch has been moved forward due to over-congestion. The event was originally scheduled to take place on January 23, but because Ferrari and Alpine will also host events on the same day, the Americans have decided to change their date.

January 20 - Audi and Honda power unit

Getting ready for its debut year, Audi is set to present its car on January 20 in Berlin. A day later, fans can also see the car in the German capital. In 2026, the team will also use its own power unit.

A rival power unit manufacturer will have its standalone launch in Tokyo. Honda's event will take place on the same day in the Japanese capital. Starting next year, they will supply engines for Aston Martin.

January 22 - Mercedes first images

Fans will get a first look of the W17 on January 22 ahead of the Barcelona pre-season test, the German team confirmed. A digital launch event will then follow on February 2.

Ferrari will be one of three teams to launch its car on January 23 - Photo: Race Pictures

January 23 - Ferrari, Alpine

Three teams opted for their car launch to take place on January 23. Ferrari was the latest to announce the date. The Scuderia's event will once again be at the Fiorano track.

Alpine's event will take place in Barcelona before pre-season testing begins in the city.

February 3 - Williams

The Grove-based team already hosted a fan vote to decide its livery for the 2026 pre-season. The car livery launch of the FW48 for the 2026 season will take place on February 3, the team confirmed.

February 8 - Cadillac

For European fans, that will be February 9, as the 11th team on the grid, Cadillac, will reveal its livery during the half-time of the 2026 Super Bowl.

February 9 - Aston Martin and McLaren

The car designed by Adrian Newey will be launched on February 9, after the conclusion of the first pre-season test days in Barcelona.

The reigning world champions will also unveil the car tasked with defending their double crown on the same day as Aston Martin, just one day before pre-season testing gets underway in Bahrain.

norris-piastri-mclaren-constructors-singapore-jpg

Photo: Race Pictures

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