The first of three Formula 1 preseason tests kicks off next week in Barcelona, providing crucial opportunities for teams to prepare ahead of the season opener in Australia on March 8th. This year’s unprecedented regulation changes have led to an extended testing schedule before the new season begins.
An initial mass shakedown took place recently at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. The main test runs from January 26th to 30th will be closed to the public, allowing teams and drivers to work on their new cars without external pressures or media scrutiny. Each of the 11 teams can use three out of the five test days.
Here’s the latest on team schedules and participation:
Williams – Entire Test Missed
Williams confirmed they will skip the first week of testing in Barcelona due to delays with their FW48 car’s development. Consequently, drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz won’t be driving the 2026 car until the official preseason test in Bahrain from February 11th to 13th. The team plans to focus on virtual testing next week to prepare for Bahrain and the season opener in Melbourne. Williams expressed optimism about their progress under new ownership, although this delay recalls challenges faced during the 2019 preseason.
McLaren – Testing on Day 2 or 3
McLaren will not take part in the initial day and may even postpone running their car until the third day of the test. Team Principal Andrea Stella said this is a deliberate strategy to prioritize car development and enter the season with the most competitive setup possible. While early track time offers peace of mind, Stella emphasized the importance of maximizing design and performance improvements before hitting the circuit.
Ferrari – Scheduled for Day 2
Ferrari will also skip the first day, with plans to begin their testing on Tuesday and continue on Thursday. They have yet to finalize whether their full three-day run will conclude on Wednesday or Friday. Team Principal Fred Vasseur highlighted the importance of the new regulations for learning and development. Recently, Ferrari showcased their SF-26 car at Fiorano, where Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc both tested it.
Audi – Starting on Day One
Audi will be the first team on track at 9 a.m. on the opening day of testing in Barcelona. This follows their early shakedown on January 9th, when they ran their R26 car for the first time. Audi’s Technical Director James Key explained that the early debut was planned well in advance and was important to obtain track data as a newcomer team.
Other teams have yet to release their testing dates, although Cadillac, Red Bull Racing, Alpine, and Mercedes have already conducted initial shakedowns with their 2026 cars.
Fan Take: This preseason testing phase is vital for all Formula 1 teams, especially with sweeping changes to the regulations that could shake up the grid. For racing fans, watching how teams approach development and adapt early will offer crucial insights into who might dominate the season and raise the stakes for a thrilling championship battle.
