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The 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing is fast approaching, with the Barcelona sessions set to kick things off. Lawrence Barretto, F1 journalist and presenter, has provided a detailed explanation of how the Barcelona private tests will operate from January 26 to 30, and what to expect from the Bahrain sessions in February.
Here’s a complete guide to how the private shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will work, along with the other pre-season testing events, under the new F1 regulatory cycle.
The first questions
What is the Barcelona shakedown, and when does it start? These were the initial questions Barretto addressed to explain the structure of the five-day testing period at the end of January 2026.
Barretto explained that the shakedown is an opportunity for teams to run their cars without limitations, such as the 200 km cap for promotional tire filming days, and to verify that all components of the new cars function as expected. “First and foremost, this is the teams’ first chance to test their racing cars in real-world conditions rather than in a simulator,” he said. “If a team has already conducted a shakedown, it is likely they focused on system checks and ensuring the car, assembled for the first time, performs exactly as intended. If not, the first days in Barcelona will focus on these fundamental checks. The event allows teams to test cars, components, and power units, and to observe how they perform under real track conditions.”
Regarding the timing, Barretto stated, “The tests will start on January 26 and continue until January 30, lasting five days in total. However, teams are only allowed to participate for three days, and they can choose which days to attend.”
Final questions on Barcelona
Why is the testing structured this way, and can fans watch it? Barretto explained that the schedule provides flexibility, allowing teams to work when most convenient. “Some teams might choose to test on one day, dedicate the next to car adjustments, or wait for new parts and work on the third day. Others might prefer to focus on the second or even the final three days to maximize development time,” he said. “This approach also allows teams to react to weather conditions. If rain or snow is forecast for a specific day, they can choose a clearer day to maximize mileage.”
Regarding fan access, the journalist confirmed that the Barcelona tests are private. “Unfortunately, these sessions are closed to the public. It’s a true shakedown: the main goal is for teams to accumulate mileage with the cars and understand how they operate. They focus on component behavior and areas for improvement rather than outright performance, which will be assessed later in Bahrain,” Barretto said.
However, there will be ways to follow the tests. Barretto explained, “There’s good news: there will be daily highlight videos, brief interviews with key figures such as drivers and team principals, and clips shared on social media. Teams will also publish their own content, and Formula1.com will provide supporting coverage.”
The official pre-season tests
When do the official pre-season tests begin? “They will take place next month in Bahrain,” Barretto said. “Last year, F1 held a single pre-season test at the desert circuit. This year, due to the scale of the regulatory changes, there will be two tests, each lasting three days. The first begins on February 11, followed by a four-day break before the second test starts on February 18. This is when preparations really intensify.”
Barretto also highlighted that the tests are not only about familiarizing teams with their cars but also about allowing drivers to adapt to the broader range of tools available, such as energy boosts and overtaking systems, which will play a crucial role during race weekends. “This makes pre-season testing even more important than usual,” he said.
He added, “The car some teams bring to the first Bahrain test may differ from what was seen in Barcelona, and some will also introduce upgrades during the second test. Many teams may bring the package intended for the opening race in Australia, while others will refine the car further to fully understand its performance. This means establishing the performance hierarchy will be more complicated than ever.”
Where to watch the Bahrain tests
The two Bahrain tests following Barcelona will be open to fans and broadcast in multiple ways. Barretto explained, “During the first Bahrain test, the final hour of each day will be live-streamed, and there will also be highlights, social media updates, and content available on F1 TV and Formula1.com.”
“For the second test, when teams start focusing on performance and the hierarchy begins to form, every minute of every day will be broadcast live, alongside detailed analysis. These sessions are the final step to prepare the cars for their first race in Australia, which kicks off the 2026 season, the first of 24 Grand Prix weekends ending in Abu Dhabi,” Lawrence Barretto concluded.
Jan 26, 2026
