Archive · 27 Jan 2026
F1 Teams Begin Private 2026 Car Testing
Formula 1 is starting a new era with private testing of their 2026 cars in Spain.
This is a big change from last year's public event.
Ten teams are there, but Williams is delayed.
There won't be much TV coverage, so it's hard to know who is doing well.
The teams are worried about reliability because the cars have new engines and designs.
The next test in Bahrain will have live TV coverage.
McLaren is taking extra time to develop their car, while others like Red Bull are just starting to show their new designs.
The last time the rules changed this much, there were a lot of problems, but the teams worked them out by the end of the season.
F1 teams are privately testing their 2026 cars in Spain, excluding the public and media.
Ten teams are present, with Williams delayed in preparing their car.
There will be limited TV coverage and no official results from the five-day test.
Teams are concerned about the reliability of the new car designs, which feature all-new engines and battery systems.
The next test in Bahrain will have live TV coverage and is seen as more representative of real races.
- Who
- F1 teams, including new team Cadillac
- What
- Private testing of 2026 F1 cars
- When
- Starting Monday, with a second test in Bahrain next month
- Where
- Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain
- Why
- To test new car designs and ensure reliability before the season starts
- Event
- Private testing of 2026 F1 cars
- Location
- Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain
- Duration
- Five days (starting Monday)
- Teams Present
- 10 out of 11 (Williams delayed)
- New Team
- Cadillac
- Next Test
- Bahrain (next month)
- First Race
- Australia (March 2026)
- Key Concern
- Reliability of new designs
