P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 issue official statement as race MOVED in late calendar decision
A late update was made to the 2026 F1 calendar, announcing 11 days of testing ahead of the season to prepare for regulation changes. Testing will occur in Barcelona in January and Bahrain in February, with the season starting in Australia on March 6. The 2026 season will follow a mammoth 24-race 2025 season, including races in countries like Azerbaijan, known for hosting races in Baku since 2016. A notable change for 2026 includes the Azerbaijan GP moving to September 26 for a Saturday main race due to a national holiday. Pre-season testing in 2026 will be held in Barcelona from January 26-30 and in Bahrain from February 11-13 and February 18-20.
