Several Formula 1 circuits are currently buried under blankets of snow as we inch closer to the end of winter break.
With only two months left before engines roar in Australia, F1 has already passed the halfway point of its off-season. Teams are ramping up preparations fast—the first 2026 car launches are happening as early as next week.
After that, everything shifts to the track.
The first official test is set for Barcelona from January 26 to 30, though fans won’t be allowed in. This marks the real beginning of Formula 1’s new-generation era.
Teams will then head to Sakhir for double testing—first from February 11 to 13 and again from February 18 to 20—before the countdown to race one truly begins.
While fans eagerly wait for their favorite drivers to return and grandstands to fill up again, the famous tracks themselves have basically gone into hibernation.
Heavy snow has hit several venues recently. Imola, Montreal, and Zandvoort are all covered in white powder right now.
Zandvoort’s situation feels particularly poignant since it’ll host its final Dutch Grand Prix in 2026.
## Audi jumps ahead with world-first milestone
While most teams are still weeks away from track action, Audi is making a bold move to get ahead of the competition.
They’re using their first filming day of the season tomorrow.
The RS26—Audi’s very first Formula 1 car—will make its track debut at Barcelona, the same place where pre-season testing happens later this month.
Under the rules for filming days, they can only drive 200 kilometres. They’ll also have to use special Pirelli demonstration tires instead of the regular compounds they’ll race with during the 2026 season.
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