FIA drastically increases F1 winter testing in 2026

The teams will be perfectly prepared for the first round of the championship in 2026. This is what the FIA hopes for, which has just announced a six-day extension of pre-season testing. The aim is to give the teams time to test their new single-seaters, radically different from those we currently know, especially the power unit which will be operated using 100% eco-friendly fuel, and the MGU-H will be removed to combat pollution and make the engines less quiet. This technical transformation requires teams to conduct more tests and validation of their new setups.

« The 2026 pre-season testing program will include nine days of testing, spread over three sessions », announced the FIA in its statement. This extension is well received by the teams, who have often expressed concerns about the limited duration of winter testing in recent seasons. With only three days of running in the last two years, teams have struggled to optimize their cars, especially in case of reliability issues.

With nine days of testing spread across three circuits, the exact locations of which have not yet been confirmed, even though Bahrain and Barcelona are likely candidates, teams will have time to get used to the new technical and sporting regulations. This includes, for example, Audi, which hopes to secure a place on the grid, and Red Bull, which will be powered by Ford from 2026 and will have to adapt to a new engine. This decision introduces uncertainty for all teams, promising a close fight between the stables, one of the main challenges advocated by the FIA.

« The overall strategic objectives of Regulation 2026 have been reiterated, specifying that the main objective is to achieve fast and close races that will continue to engage and excite fans. » With seven winners in thirteen races this season, the FIA hopes that this trend will continue despite the regulatory changes.

By increasing the number of testing days from three to nine and diversifying the circuits, the FIA aims to offer all teams the same preparation opportunities. This extra time will allow them to test different settings and configurations of the cars, ensuring optimal preparation for the upcoming season.

The question remains as to which circuits will be chosen for these pre-season tests. While Bahrain seems to be the favorite, the Barcelona circuit is also expected to be selected for 2026, despite the majority opposition from teams for the 2025 tests (only Red Bull, Racing Bulls, and Sauber had voted in favor). The identity of the third circuit could be revealed during the extraordinary meeting of the F1 Commission on October 2.