F1 has announced three pre-season tests for 2026 season which includes one private running, as date of Azerbaijan GP is changed too.

As expected, there will be three pre-season tests for the 2026 F1 season considering the big regulation change next year. In-line with that, a four-day private test will take place at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between January 26-30.

The venue returns to testing fold after loosing its status to Bahrain in the last few seasons. Considering it is a private test, it is unlikely to be broadcasted – much like how it was in years gone by. The remaining two tests will be public and likely broadcasted.

It will take place at Bahrain International Circuit. The second will span for three days between February 11-13, while the third one is slated for February 18-20. The gap between the end of 2025 season in Abu Dhabi and first test is around 1.5 months.

Additionally, F1 and the FIA has confirmed a date change of 2026 Azerbaijan GP, as it will convert to a Wednesday to Saturday weekend owing to its national day. The grand prix will now take place on September 26 on Saturday as opposed to September 27.

Here’s the release from F1 –

Formula 1 and the FIA are today announcing the 2026 pre-season testing dates. In 2026 there will be three tests:

  • 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.

We can also confirm that following a request from the Azerbaijan promoter and relevant government stakeholders, Formula 1 and the FIA have agreed to move the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix from Sunday 27th September to Saturday 26th to accommodate a national day. All the F1 teams have been informed of this change, which will mean each day of the event will move one day earlier.

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