Nine days of track time. A new generation of power units. And the biggest rule change Formula 1 has seen in over a decade.
F1 and the FIA have confirmed the full testing schedule for 2026. With major regulation changes on the way, teams will now get nine days of pre-season running, up from just three in 2025. The tests will take place in Barcelona and Bahrain, ahead of the season-opener in Australia.
This expanded testing reflects the scale of the reset. With new engines, lighter cars, and sweeping aerodynamic changes, 2026 is set to redefine the sport.
Barcelona: Five Days to Learn the Basics
The first test runs at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26 to 30. It’s a five-day window, but each team can only run for three of those days. The spare days give flexibility in case of poor weather. That’s a precaution after snow disrupted testing at the same track in 2018. This test is also a closed doors test for the teams to run without any distractions.
This will be the first time the new 2026-spec cars run on track. The power unit is all-new and includes:
- A simplified layout with no MGU-H
- A more powerful MGU-K, now delivering 350kW
- Reduced ICE power, capped at around 400kW
- 100% sustainable fuel
Combined, the system still produces close to 1,000 horsepower. But now, a much bigger share of that comes from electric energy. Teams will use this test to understand how it all fits together.
Bahrain: Back-to-Back Public Sessions
After Barcelona, testing heads to Bahrain International Circuit for two three-day sessions. The first runs from February 11–13, the second from February 18–20. These are full public tests with no running restrictions.
Bahrain offers stable weather and a high-degradation surface, making it ideal for race simulations. Most teams will use these sessions to trial final aero packages and run full weekend programs.
This will also be the last track time before cars are flown out to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.
Power Unit Shake-Up: New Names, New Deals
The 2026 engine supplier landscape is changing fast.
Red Bull Powertrains, working with Ford, will power both Red Bull and RB. This ends their long-running partnership with Honda. From 2026, Honda will become the exclusive works supplier to Aston Martin.
Audi will make its F1 debut after taking over the Sauber operation. Cadillac, the American newcomer, will run Ferrari customer engines until its own power unit program is ready in the long term.
Meanwhile, Renault will withdraw as a power unit manufacturer after 2025. Alpine will keep its name but switch to Mercedes power, ending a decades-long chapter of Renault engines at Enstone.
That leaves five engine suppliers in 2026:
- Ferrari
- Mercedes
- Red Bull Powertrains–Ford
- Honda
- Audi
2026 Power Unit: Key Changes
- 1.6L turbocharged V6
- ~400kW from the engine
- 350kW from the electric MGU-K
- MGU-H completely removed
- 100% sustainable fuel
- Double the electrical energy per lap compared to 2025
- Total peak output: ~1,000bhp
2026 F1 Engine Suppliers – Team by Team
- Red Bull – Red Bull Powertrains–Ford
- RB – Red Bull Powertrains–Ford
- Mercedes – Mercedes
- McLaren – Mercedes
- Williams – Mercedes
- Alpine – Mercedes
- Aston Martin – Honda
- Audi (ex-Sauber) – Audi
- Ferrari – Ferrari
- Haas – Ferrari
- Cadillac – Ferrari
The Bottom Line
The 2026 season brings more than just a new rulebook. It brings a new formula for success.
From battery deployment to fuel systems, the cars are changing from the inside out. And with three times the testing mileage available, teams have no excuse to be unprepared.
The first real answers will come in Barcelona on January 26.
