F1 car launches 2026: Every team’s livery reveal date
13 January 2026The 2026 regulations signal one of the most seismic shifts in the history of F1. Not only is there a massive overhaul to the power units, but for the first time since 2022, the cars will also look dramatically different. That places extra importance on aerodynamic design philosophies and the liveries that accompany them.
The upcoming launch season is about far more than just fresh paint. It offers a first glimpse into a new era of F1.
From the arrival of Audi and Cadillac to the return of Ford, the grid is set for a huge overhaul. Here is everything we know about the F1 2026 car launches and when you can see the new machines for the first time.
At a glance: F1 2026 launch schedule
For those tracking the key dates for the 2026 F1 season reveals, here is the confirmed timeline:
Date | Team | Location |
15 Jan | Red Bull & Racing Bulls | Detroit, USA |
19 Jan | Haas | Online |
20 Jan | Audi | Berlin, Germany |
20 Jan | Honda (engine launch) | Tokyo, Japan |
22 Jan | Mercedes (image reveal) | Online |
23 Jan | Ferrari | TBC |
23 Jan | Alpine | Barcelona, Spain |
2 Feb | Mercedes (season launch) | Online |
3 Feb | Williams | TBC |
8 Feb | Cadillac | Super Bowl halftime show |
9 Feb | Aston Martin | TBC |
9 Feb | McLaren | Bahrain |
Red Bull and Racing Bulls
Date: 15 January
Location: Detroit, USA
In an event held with 2026 power unit partner Ford Racing, both the Red Bull and Racing Bulls liveries will be revealed at a special launch event in Detroit on 15 January.
The reveal is expected to be only for the liveries and not the car design they will start the season with.
Haas
Date: 19 January
Location: Online
Haas’ launch event will mark a significant moment for the Banbury-based team as they debut their first livery featuring Toyota as title sponsor.
Audi
Date: 20 January
Location: Berlin, Germany
Perhaps the most anticipated newcomer, Audi officially takes over the Sauber entry for 2026. The German manufacturer will pull the covers off its first-ever factory Formula 1 car in Berlin on 20 January.
Honda
Date: 20 January
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Aston Martin’s 2026 power unit partner Honda will host a unique engine launch event in Tokyo on 20 January.
Mercedes
Date: 22 January (renders) and 2 February (launch)
Location: Online
The Silver Arrows are splitting their launch for 2026. First, the team will drop digital renders of the W17 on January 22, just days before the private test in Barcelona. Then, the full season launch with Toto Wolff, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will take place on February 2.
Ferrari
Date: 23 January
Location: TBC
While most of the grid are revealing a livery and little else before testing, the Scuderia is planning to launch its 2026 car on 23 January.
Although not yet confirmed, the reveal will likely take place at Fiorano so we might even be treated to the first real look at a 2026 car in motion.
Alpine
Date: 23 January
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Alpine will reveal the livery for the A526 directly in Barcelona on 23 January, coinciding with the private test.
Williams
Date: 3 February
Location: TBC
Following the private test at Barcelona, Williams will showcase its 2026 livery on 3 February. The team has confirmed it will run a special fan-picked livery during testing.
Cadillac
Date: 8 February
Location: Super Bowl
Formula 1’s 11th team is making a blockbuster entrance. Cadillac will reveal its debut F1 livery during the halftime show of the Super Bowl.
Aston Martin
Date: 9 February
Location: TBC
There’s plenty of anticipation around the Silverstone-based team’s reveal. It is set to unveil its first car designed by Adrian Newey and powered by Honda on 9 February.
McLaren
Date: 9 February
Location: Bahrain
Sharing the final launch day with Aston Martin, reigning teams’ champion McLaren will stream its reveal live from Bahrain.
