When are F1 teams launching their 2026 cars?

Formula 1 teams will begin launching their 2026 cars in January before the new season gets under way in March.

Teams will make it an event, revealing their car designs, drivers and hopes for the new season ahead.

The 2026 season will also bring in new regulations, which includes slightly smaller and shorter cars.

Red Bull and Racing Bulls were the first teams to announce a car launch date for the 2026 season.

It was the first time the two teams have had a joint car launch, conducted in collaboration with manufacturer Ford.

Mercedes will reveal renders of their new car designs on Thursday, 22 January before their digital launch on Monday, 2 February.

Audi, formerly known as Sauber, will launch their new cars in Germany.

New team Cadillac will launch their livery during the 2026 Super Bowl in early February in a TV advertisement spot.

Alpine will launch their car in Barcelona before pre-season testing begins at the end of January, while last season's champions McLaren and Aston Martin are holding off until 9 February.

In a twist to tradition, Honda will hold their own event on 20 January, where they will reveal the power unit for Aston Martin.

2026 car launch dates:

Red Bull and Racing Bulls were the first team to launch their cars in a joint event with manufacturer Ford.

Red Bull's RB22 livery is a throwback to the team's first look from 2005 and re-introduces a glossy finish.

"The motivation is very high, everyone is ready. I'm very excited to start this new chapter," said four-time world champion Max Verstappen

Racing Bulls are keeping their all-white look, while the car also features accents of blue through the chassis as a nod to their partnership with Ford.

"The partnership between Ford and Red Bull, the energy around the team, and the ambition for what's ahead make this an incredibly exciting time to be part of Racing Bulls," said driver Liam Lawson.

"I'm ready to learn, to work, and to give everything on track as we start this new chapter together," added 18-year-old British rookie Arvid Lindblad, who is joining the grid in 2026.

Haas presented the digital renders for their 2026 challenger on their social media platforms, rather than at a launch event.

They are the first team to reveal the features on new Haas VF26, which is predominately white in colour.

British driver Oliver Bearman said there is a "huge deal of excitement" for him with the 2026 regulations.

"We need to learn everything new again, so I think the experience helps to adapt quickly, but we need to adapt everything," said French driver Esteban Ocon.

Audi showcased their first F1 livery in Berlin, Germany, which sports a colourway of silver, black and 'Audi' red.

"What I feel here today is a profound seriousness and an incredible energy that sets this team apart," Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg said at the launch event.

Fellow Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto said he feels the "weight of the responsibility" in his second year as an F1 driver, but is motivated to "develop with the team".

Mercedes are the second team to launch digital renders of their 2026 challenger.

The W17 follows Mercedes' usual design of black and silver, which the team says is a "bold expression of identity and evolution".

The team will also host a season launch event on 2 February with drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Lewis Hamilton described the 2026 Formula 1 season as "a huge challenge" as Ferrari launched their new car.

The seven-time world champion said working on the SF-26 produced by Ferrari for the sport's new engine and chassis rules had been "fascinating".

The 41-year-old Briton added: "The 2026 season represents a huge challenge for everyone, probably the biggest regulation change I have experienced in my career."

Alpine released pictures of their new striking livery, but did not release pictures of the 2026 model on Friday.

Boss Flavio Briatore said he believes the team "will be competitive" in 2026 and conducted an initial test at Silverstone two days before the launch event.

Race driver Pierre Gasly said: "It's a big opportunity for us as a team. There will be a lot of things to learn and probably adapt to."

Williams have launched their new vibrant blue livery for the 2026 season.

Despite missing the five-day private testing, boss James Vowles said he is "confident we're in a good place".

This season, Alex Albon will become Williams' longest-serving driver, saying the milestone shows "how much I believe in the team".

Cadillac debuted their first ever livery during a television advert at the National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl.

The design features an asymmetrical look, black on one side and white on the other.

Team principal, Graeme Lowdon, said the new team are built on "bold ambition" and "leadership in innovation".

World Champions McLaren unveiled their challenger for 2026 in February.

Historically, after they win a championship, McLaren carry their successful livery into the next season.

"I'm excited to see what we can achieve in this new era of Formula 1," said 2025 driver champion Lando Norris.

Aston Martin are the final team to reveal their new livery.

Their power unit partner, Honda, also hosted a launch event in January.

Formula 1 design legend Adrian Newey said the new car is "one of the more extreme interpretations" of this year's new rules.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.