This year, Formula 1 is celebrating its seventy-fifth anniversary and kicked off the season with F1 75. The much-discussed live event was deemed a success by Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, and the Italian expressed hopes to organize more similar events soon. However, an opening event in the same style as F1 75 will not take place before 2026.
The usually well-informed Autosport reports that Formula 1 has decided to cancel a joint launch event, in the style of F1 75, for 2026. According to the FOM, the event was only intended to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the premier class, and the rights holder does not see it returning as an annual occurrence. Also, the teams will be too busy with the new regulations, which will come into effect in 2026.
2026 Regulations
Due to the new sports regulations, the teams will have three times three test days next year to try out the brand new cars. These test days will take place in Barcelona and Bahrain respectively. The first laps in brand new Formula 1 cars are reportedly allowed to be driven as early as the end of January 2026, which would mean that a launch event would have to take place at the beginning of January. At that time, the event would not only be too distracting for the teams, but most racing teams would also still be busy finalizing contracts and schedules with all sponsors.
Although no live event will be held in 2026, the FOM does not rule out that these will not return at all. The rights holder of the premier class is looking into possible options to organize the event at a different time in the future, and at a different location.
