FIA approves four-day pre-season testing ahead of 2027 F1 season

The FIA has confirmed that a key regulatory change regarding pre-season testing has been approved ahead of the 2027 Formula 1 season, following a meeting of the Formula 1 Commission at the governing body's London offices.

An extra day on the calendar

Chaired by single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis and F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali, the Commission approved a proposal to increase pre-season testing from three days to four ahead of the 2027 campaign. In previous seasons, teams had been limited to just three days of official pre-season running — a restriction that was originally set to remain in place for next year as well.

The change marks a notable shift from the current framework. Ahead of the 2026 season, teams benefited from a more generous schedule, with two three-day tests in mid-February at the Bahrain International Circuit — driven by the sweeping introduction of new aerodynamic and power unit regulations — as well as a five-day private shakedown at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya at the end of January.

The 2027 test is widely expected to take place in Bahrain, with the desert circuit almost certain to host the curtain-raiser once again. In the past two years, the season opener was held in Australia due to the Middle East observing Ramadan, but the calendar appears set to return to the Gulf.

Regulatory context: the 60-40 PU split

The additional testing day carries particular significance given the potential power unit regulation changes under discussion. If a proposal to shift the engine configuration from its current 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical energy to a 60-40 ratio is ratified by manufacturers, teams will need every available lap to understand and optimise the new setup. The extra day of testing could prove crucial in that context — a point that has wider implications for the sporting calendar as well, with F1 already considering adjustments to race distances to manage increased fuel consumption.

Alongside the testing changes, the Commission also agreed to minor modifications to aerodynamic and bodywork components, though no specific detail on the nature of those alterations has yet been provided.

Finally, adjustments to the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) framework were also approved, specifically introducing limitations on conducting such tests at circuits scheduled to host a grand prix the following year.

All changes remain subject to ratification by the FIA World Motor Sport Council before coming into force.

An extra day on the calendar