F1's 2026 launch season and testing: What to watch for

Formula 1's so-called 'launch season' took a very familiar shape the last couple of years - but heightened secrecy around all-new 2026 designs, a closed-doors five-day test and reliability as an actual factor mean this year's 'warm-up' will be something different. Different in a good way? The Race F1 Podcast panel of Edd Straw, Jon Noble and Josh Suttill discuss the championship's approach to debuting its new era and their gripes with allowing a secretive first test. They then preview certain specific launches and share their expectations from the much-increased testing programme. 0:00 Is F1's launch season worth following? 12:02 The mistake of the 'closed-doors' test 21:52 The most-anticipated launches 31:56 Previewing the three tests Published: 2026-01-07
Chanel: THE RACE