Formula 1 car launches: 2026 dates, schedule ahead of preseason testing, new regulations

One of Formula 1's biggest ever rules refreshes is upon us, making 'launch season' more intriguing than ever as we get a chance to see the all-new cars before they hit the track.

The overhauled regulations -- largely focusing on more agile cars and better racing -- mean we are seeing an earlier start to preseason testing, and an earlier look at the 2026 machines than usual.

Usually starting in February, the car -- or livery, to all you nitpickers -- launches get going in January next year.

Here are all the latest confirmed dates for the reveals.

What? Joint livery reveal and season launch

When? Jan. 15, 2026

Where? Detroit, Michigan

What? Team launch and livery reveal

When? Jan. 20, 2026

Where? Berlin, Germany

What? Power unit launch for Aston Martin

When? Jan. 20, 2026

Where? Tokyo, Japan

What? TBC - likely a car or livery reveal

When? Jan. 23, 2026

Where? Barcelona, Spain (ahead of preseason testing)

What? Livery reveal

When? Jan. 23, 2026

Where? Online

What? TBC

When? Jan. 23, 2026

Where? TBC

What? Livery reveal

When? Jan. 15, 2026

Where? Super Bowl TV advert

What? Joint livery reveal and season launch

When? Jan. 15, 2026

Where? TBC

McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, Williams

Jan. 26-30: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (behind closed doors)

Feb 11-13: Bahrain International Circuit

Feb. 18-20: Bahrain International Circuit