McLaren MCL40, Red Bull RB22 Unveiled Ahead of 2026 F1 Testing in Barcelona
McLaren and Red Bull have officially unveiled their 2026 Formula 1 challengers ahead of the pre-season testing event in Barcelona. The two teams showcased their cars as they prepare for a significant transition in the sport.
2026 F1 Challengers: McLaren MCL40 and Red Bull RB22
On January 15, Red Bull introduced the livery of their RB22 in Detroit. However, they utilized a show car to present their design for the upcoming season, withholding the actual vehicle details. McLaren, on the other hand, maintained secrecy around their 2026 car and revealed only an all-black testing livery during Monday’s session.
Pre-Season Testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
The pre-season testing commenced on Monday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, featuring five closed-door days of track action. While Red Bull started testing their RB22, McLaren opted to delay their run until Tuesday at the earliest. Each team is allocated three days of track time within this five-day format.
- Testing Event: Pre-season testing
- Location: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
- Teams: McLaren (MCL40) & Red Bull (RB22)
- Testing Duration: Five days
Significant Regulatory Changes in F1
The 2026 season marks one of the most substantial regulatory shifts in Formula 1 history. New power units and chassis regulations are set to redefine the competition. With this transition, teams are prioritizing extensive track time to fine-tune their cars before the season opener.
Upcoming Events and Expectations
McLaren is scheduled to unveil their full livery on February 9, coinciding with their season launch event. This will precede two official testing sessions in Bahrain, planned for February 11-13 and February 18-20.
With both teams gearing up for the challenges of the 2026 Formula 1 season, fans can look forward to an exhilarating year ahead.
Watch the Action Live
Fans can catch all 24 race weekends of the 2026 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1. Streaming options are available via NOW, offering viewers flexibility with no contract requirements.
