F1 issues pre-season testing dates ahead 2026 season; Azerbaijan Grand Prix moved up a day

Formula 1 and the FIA on Monday announced the pre-season testing dates ahead of the 2026 F1 season, which will see the latest set of regulations implemented.

The new season will see three tests take place in Barcelona and Bahrain during the months of January and February before the start of racing action.

F1 also announced that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be shifted from Sunday, September 27, to Saturday, September 26, to accommodate a national day after a request from the race promoter and government stakeholders. All events during the Azerbaijan GP weekend will therefore be held a day earlier than scheduled.

Here are the details of the three preseason tests scheduled ahead of the 2026 season:

• Test one will be a private test and will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between 26–30 January.
• Test two will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit between 11–13 February.
• Test three will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit between 18–20 February.