No Encore: F1 opts for no grouped season launch show for 2026

40

Formula 1 will not renew ahead of its 2026 campaign its glitzy season launch extravaganza that took place at London’s O2 Arena earlier this year.

While the February event drew big numbers on paper, its absence next year might be welcome news for many fans — and a relief for teams already bracing for a transformational season.

The 2025 event was a first-of-its-kind occasion, marking the championship’s 75th anniversary with all ten teams presenting their new liveries in a unified show. With a peak of 1.1 million concurrent YouTube viewers and a total digital reach of 7.5 million, it was a marketing success for F1, its commercial rights holders, and sponsors alike.

But the fan reception? Less glowing. While the spectacle ticked the corporate boxes, many supporters felt the event lacked the depth and impact of individual team launches – the very moments that build pre-season excitement with new car reveals, tech details, and team-specific hype.

F1's choice not to revisit the concept next year seems to reflect a mix of logistical necessity and audience feedback.

Focus Turns to 2026’s Major Overhaul

There’s more to the decision than fan sentiment, though. Formula One Management consulted with teams and stakeholders before scrapping plans for another group launch. One major reason? The looming technical revolution in 2026.

With a massive regulation reset just over the horizon – including all-new car designs and next-gen hybrid power units – teams will be stretched to their limits preparing for the new era.

FOM reportedly concluded that a flashy launch event would be an unwelcome distraction during such a critical phase of development.

Additionally, 2026 will see an expanded pre-season testing schedule, with three separate three-day tests planned – likely beginning in late January with a private test in Barcelona. That early start narrows the already tight launch window, especially as teams will still be finalizing car specs and confirming sponsorship deals.

Launch Show Could Return — But Not in London

Though the 2025 launch was a one-off to mark a major anniversary, FOM hasn’t ruled out bringing it back for future milestones, according to Motorsport.com’s report.

In fact, discussions are underway about possibly rotating the event through key global cities rather than returning to London.

Read also: Formula 1 unveils 2026 calendar featuring Madrid’s debut

For now, though, it’s back to basics. Teams will likely revert to individual launches, whether via live-streamed unveilings or slick in-house productions, giving fans what many of them prefer: a closer, more detailed look at the machines that will define the next chapter of Formula 1.

And with the seismic changes coming in 2026, that might just be a better way to set the stage.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.