F1 LAUNCHES: When will the teams be presenting their new cars for the 2026 season?

While the 2025 campaign is yet to reach its conclusion, preparations are already well underway for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the teams beginning to announce their launch dates for next year.

Pre-season testing plans have previously been confirmed ahead of the 24-round calendar getting underway, the first event being the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8.

This will include a test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between January 26-30, a second test held at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 11-13 and a final test, also in Bahrain, between February 18-20.

Meanwhile the teams will host their own launch events before the season kicks off in Melbourne – and we’ve rounded up all of the key dates that have been confirmed so far, and will add to this article as and when new dates are announced.

January 15 – Red Bull/Racing Bulls launch

The Red Bull family were the first to announce their unveiling plans for 2026, with the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls outfits teaming up – alongside Ford – to reveal their respective liveries in a joint event.

With the new season marking Red Bull Ford Powertrains’ debut as a power unit manufacturer for both squads, the launch will be held at the United States home of Ford in Detroit, Michigan, on January 15.

January 19 – Haas livery reveal

After initially announcing their livery reveal for January 23, Haas later moved the date to January 19 in order to avoid over-congestion of team launches.

The American outfit will unveil the images of the livery that will adorn the VF-26 online.

January 20 – Audi launch

One of the new names on the grid in 2026, Audi, announced that they would be holding their official launch on January 20, 2026, as they prepare to take Kick Sauber's spot on the F1 grid.

They will present their full race livery before holding a public opening on the following day, allowing fans to experience the unique occasion after they revealed an early concept livery in November, featuring titanium, carbon black and Audi red as the predominant colours.

January 22 – Mercedes unveil renders

One of two dates for Mercedes, the Silver Arrows will unveil renders of their 2026 challenger on January 22 before a season launch event on February 2.

January 23 – Alpine launch

Alpine announced via social media that their launch will be held in Barcelona on January 23, meaning that it will take place just a few days before the first pre-season test gets underway.

The team did not share further details about the nature of their event, but added the caption: “We've got something to show you...”

January 23 – Ferrari

Also launching on the Friday before the private pre-season testing in Barcelona, Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur confirmed the team's launch date during his annual Christmas end-of-season press conference at Fiorano, Italy.

February 2 – Mercedes launch

After revealing renders on January 22, Mercedes will hold a dedicated 2026 digital season launch show on February 2.

The event will be streamed via Mercedes’ social media pages and is set to feature Team Principal Toto Wolff, drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, as well as insight on the sweeping technical changes from senior team members.

February 3 – Williams livery reveal

On February 3, Williams will unveil the livery for their 2026 challenger – the FW48 – with the team describing it as a "striking" new look.

The team go into 2026 with plenty of momentum after their fifth-placed finish in 2025, with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz again their driver pairing.

February 8 – Cadillac livery reveal

Cadillac, who are backed by General Motors and led by former Marussia Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon, are preparing to become Formula 1’s 11th team in 2026.

With plenty of excitement surrounding the new entry, the team are set to present the livery for their debut F1 car during a television advert at February’s Super Bowl.

February 9 – Aston Martin launch

Aston Martin have announced that they will launch their 2026 car – the AMR26 – on February 9.

While the British team did not reveal further details of the unveiling, the news was confirmed via a social media post showing a pencil drawing the name of the car, perhaps as a nod to designer Adrian Newey becoming Team Principal as of next season.