Formula 1 News of the Week January 14
As Formula 1 edges closer to one of the most significant regulation overhauls in its history, the foundations of the 2026 season are rapidly being put in place. From confirmed pre-season timelines and full driver line-ups to an expanded grid and Audi’s first steps onto the track, the sport’s next chapter is beginning to take real form.
With 11 teams, 22 drivers, new power unit regulations and fresh manufacturer ambition converging, the countdown to a new era is well and truly underway. Here’s everything you need to know from a pivotal week in Formula 1.
Key Pre-Season Dates Confirmed for 2026
With the calendar turning to a regulation-reset year, Formula 1 has confirmed a packed and carefully structured pre-season schedule ahead of the 2026 campaign. Multiple car launches, three separate test sessions across two venues, and manufacturer debuts will define a winter unlike any other.
Teams will begin revealing their challengers from mid-January, while testing will play a crucial role as squads adapt to new power units, revised aerodynamics and sustainability-focused regulations.
Key 2026 Pre-Season Dates
- January 15 – Red Bull & Racing Bulls joint launch (Detroit)
- January 19 – Haas livery reveal
- January 20 – Audi launch (Berlin)
- January 20 – Honda power unit launch (Tokyo)
- January 22 – Mercedes release first renders
- January 23 – Alpine launch (Barcelona)
- January 23 – Ferrari launch
- January 26–30 – Private pre-season testing (Barcelona)
- February 2 – Mercedes digital season launch
- February 3 – Williams livery reveal
- February 8 – Cadillac livery reveal (Super Bowl broadcast)
- February 9 – Aston Martin launch
- February 11–13 – Second pre-season test (Bahrain)
- February 18–20 – Third pre-season test (Bahrain)
- March 6–8 – Australian Grand Prix (Season opener)
The 2026 Driver Line-Up: One Grid, One Big Reset
All 11 teams have now confirmed their driver pairings for the 2026 Formula 1 season, creating one of the most diverse and compelling grids in recent memory. The line-up blends reigning champions, proven race winners, rising stars and returning veterans — all preparing to tackle a radically different technical landscape.
Lando Norris arrives as the reigning World Champion at McLaren alongside Oscar Piastri, while Max Verstappen remains Red Bull’s benchmark with Isack Hadjar stepping into the second seat. Ferrari continues with its blockbuster pairing of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, while Mercedes fields George Russell and sophomore Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Elsewhere, Williams builds momentum with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, Aston Martin sticks with experience via Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, and Alpine commits to Pierre Gasly alongside Franco Colapinto. Haas retains Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, Racing Bulls welcomes rookie Arvid Lindblad, and Audi keeps Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as it transitions into a full works operation.
Cadillac completes the expanded grid, marking its debut with a high-profile return for Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.
Confirmed 2026 Driver Numbers
- Lando Norris – #4
- Oscar Piastri – #81
- Max Verstappen – #1
- Isack Hadjar – #6
- Charles Leclerc – #16
- Lewis Hamilton – #44
- George Russell – #63
- Kimi Antonelli – #12
- Fernando Alonso – #14
- Lance Stroll – #18
- Alex Albon – #23
- Carlos Sainz – #55
- Pierre Gasly – #10
- Franco Colapinto – #43
- Esteban Ocon – #31
- Ollie Bearman – #87
- Liam Lawson – #30
- Arvid Lindblad – #36
- Nico Hulkenberg – #27
- Gabriel Bortoleto – #5
- Valtteri Bottas – #77
- Sergio Perez – #11
Teams and Cars: An Expanded Formula 1 Grid
The 2026 season will feature 11 teams for the first time in decades, with Cadillac joining the grid alongside Audi’s rebrand of Kick Sauber. Established names remain, but the competitive order is set to be reshaped by new power units, revised chassis regulations and shifting technical partnerships.
Confirmed 2026 Teams
- Red Bull Racing
- Ferrari
- Mercedes
- McLaren
- Aston Martin
- Alpine
- Williams
- Haas
- Racing Bulls
- Audi
- Cadillac
With manufacturer involvement increasing and customer-engine relationships evolving, 2026 represents a reset not just for performance, but for Formula 1’s competitive identity.
Audi Hits the Track: First Shakedown of the 2026 Car
Audi has taken a major step toward its long-awaited Formula 1 debut by running its 2026 challenger on track for the first time. The milestone test marks the beginning of Audi’s transformation from Kick Sauber into a full factory team, with development now accelerating ahead of the new regulations.
While the outing was focused on systems checks rather than performance, it represents a symbolic moment for the German manufacturer — moving from concept and simulation into real-world validation. With a bespoke power unit programme and long-term ambitions, Audi’s early progress will be closely watched as 2026 approaches.
Looking Ahead
With pre-season dates locked in, driver line-ups finalised and manufacturers like Audi and Cadillac officially underway, Formula 1’s next era is no longer theoretical — it’s unfolding in real time. The pieces are coming together for a season that promises innovation, unpredictability and a reshaped competitive order.
All roads now lead to Melbourne, where the Australian Grand Prix (March 6–8, 2026) will launch Formula 1’s bold new chapter.
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