F1 2026 Car Launch Dates

The upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season is already drawing closer, with various teams planning to debut their new cars and liveries starting from January 15.

While McLaren has not yet disclosed its presentation dates, all other participating teams have announced when enthusiasts can anticipate seeing their 2026 designs before the championship commences.

Red Bull and Racing Bulls are scheduled to commence the unveiling events on January 15 with an occasion held in Detroit, and Aston Martin is currently slated to conclude these presentations on February 9.

The 2026 season will introduce a fresh set of regulations to the sport, alongside the inclusion of a brand-new team, Cadillac, while Audi is prepared to assume control of Sauber.

Here is the information currently available regarding the various launch ceremonies.

F1 2026 Team Presentation Timelines

Date Event Location
15 January Red Bull, Racing Bulls launch Detroit
20 January Audi launch Berlin
20 January Honda power unit launch Tokyo
22 January Mercedes unveil renders Online
23 January Alpine launch Barcelona
23 January Haas launch Online
23 January Ferrari launch TBC
2 February Mercedes launch Online
3 February Williams launch Grove
8 February Cadillac livery reveal California, TV and Online
9 February Aston Martin launch TBC
TBA McLaren launch TBA

January 15: Red Bull, Racing Bulls

Location: Detroit

Red Bull and Racing Bulls plan to showcase their 2026 paint schemes at a joint gathering with Ford, signifying the beginning of Red Bull Powertrains’ collaboration with the American automotive brand.

“The launch of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era represents not only a bold step into the future, but a powerful expression of what’s possible when world-class engineering, innovation, and passion come together,” stated Laurent Mekies, Red Bull CEO and team principal, regarding the initiative.

“To see the energy, precision, and scale behind this project is inspiring. It’s the culmination of several years of collaboration between two great names in motorsport. We’re incredibly excited to begin this new chapter, driven by the same determination and excellence that defines both Ford and Red Bull.”

January 20: Audi

Audi

Location: Berlin

Audi is scheduled to assume operations of Sauber in 2026. The German manufacturer will host a “global launch” gathering in Berlin to inaugurate the season and present its 2026 livery.

Audi F1 Team RS26 concept livery

Audi F1 Team RS26 concept livery

Photo by: Audi Sport

January 20: Honda Engine

Honda engine

Location: Tokyo

Honda is scheduled to conduct its independent power unit launch on January 20 in Tokyo, separate from Aston Martin. The Japanese manufacturer will embark on an exclusive alliance with the Silverstone-based team after concluding its partnership with Red Bull at the close of 2025.

January 22: Mercedes

Location: Online

Mercedes plans to unveil the exterior design of its W17 vehicle on January 22 through an online social media release, prior to closed-door testing sessions occurring the subsequent week. The team will host a distinct launch event on February 2.

January 23: Alpine

Location: Barcelona

Alpine will reveal its 2026 F1 livery on January 23 during an event held in Barcelona. The 2026 season not only signifies the introduction of new regulations but also the commencement of the French team’s power unit collaboration with Mercedes.

January 23: Ferrari

Location: TBC

Ferrari will present its 2026 livery on January 23. Although a specific venue has not yet been confirmed, the Maranello-based squad typically conducts a live presentation at its historic home circuit.

“We will finish the assembly of the car the day before the launch, the launch will be January 23, which means we will finish the car on the 22nd, and this is to be aggressive,” conveyed Fred Vasseur, Ferrari team principal.

“But everybody will do the same, now we have a convergence in the approach of the season, and everybody will do the same.”

Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari and Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal and General Manager, Scuderia Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari and Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal and General Manager, Scuderia Ferrari

Photo by: Ferrari

January 23: Haas

Location: Online

Haas is set to unveil its 2026 F1 livery on the same day as both Alpine and Ferrari; however, the American team will reveal its design digitally instead of through a physical event.

February 2: Mercedes

Location: Online

Following the W17 livery reveal on January 22, Mercedes will hold a special launch ceremony on February 2. Spectators can watch live as the event will be broadcast over the internet. Drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli are expected to be present, along with Mercedes CEO and team principal Toto Wolff.

February 3: Williams

Location: Grove

Williams intends to present the 2026 F1 car livery for its FW48 on February 3, which is the Tuesday after the private test sessions in Barcelona, with drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon in attendance.

February 8: Cadillac

Location: California, TV and online

Cadillac, which will be joining the F1 grid as the eleventh entrant, is preparing an elaborate debut for its inaugural livery. The American team will showcase the livery in a television advertisement during the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on February 8.

February 9: Aston Martin

Location: TBC

Aston Martin has confirmed its plan to unveil the AMR26 on February 9. The 2026 vehicle will be the first designed by Adrian Newey for the team owned by Lawrence Stroll. While the event’s location remains undisclosed, the team typically chooses to host it at its Silverstone headquarters, with drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll participating.

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