F1 Opts Against Repeating Large-Scale Season Launch Event in 2026

Formula 1 has decided not to replicate the extensive, joint season launch event held for the 2025 campaign ahead of the 2026 season. The 2025 event, hosted at London's O2 Arena, brought all teams together to unveil their liveries in a unified spectacle that marked the championship's 75th anniversary. By many measures, the inaugural event was successful, attracting a significant online audience across various platforms. However, following consultations with teams and stakeholders, Formula 1's commercial rights holder, FOM, has chosen a different approach for 2026. A primary reason cited is that the 2025 launch was specifically tied to the 75th-anniversary milestone and was not intended as an annual fixture, although future similar events around significant moments remain a possibility, potentially in different global markets. A more significant factor influencing the decision is the fundamental technical overhaul set for 2026. New regulations will introduce entirely redesigned cars and power units, presenting a monumental development challenge for all competing teams. This substantial undertaking necessitates an increased focus on preparation and testing. The 2026 pre-season schedule is expected to feature three separate three-day test sessions – a significant increase from the single three-day test conducted ahead of the recent season. These tests are anticipated to begin earlier, potentially behind closed doors in late January. Hosting a large-scale public launch event in the style of the 2025 spectacle would impose a considerable logistical burden and distraction on teams during this critical development phase. Teams will be intensely focused on finalising their new machinery and validating performance ahead of the season, with work extending closer to the turn of the year than in previous cycles. Furthermore, the timing of a major launch would coincide with teams still finalising their sponsorship agreements for the new regulatory era. Consequently, F1 has concluded that repeating the 2025 launch format is not feasible or beneficial for the 2026 season, prioritising team focus on the significant technical challenges ahead.