Why is F1 testing private in Barcelona? TV and live stream blackout explained
RadioTimes.com breaks down why F1 testing in Barcelona is private this week.
The start of the new Formula 1 season is fast approaching and the 2026 campaign will have a very different feel to it.
Not only is Cadillac set to join as the 11th team on the F1 grid but, more importantly, changes to the rules are going to mean an overhaul to the cars, which will be smaller, lighter, and greener as the sport ushers in a new era.
Though the impact on the drivers and races remains to be seen, one thing that does seem clear is that pre-season testing is going to be more important than ever.
As part of an extended pre-season schedule, there will be three sets of testing ahead of the start of the 2026 campaign, which begins with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, Melbourne, on Sunday 8th March. Eager motorsport fans will, however, be forced to wait to get a glimpse of the new cars.
That's because the first set of testing, this week's Barcelona Shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain, is set to be behind closed doors and with a media blackout. That means no TV or live streams and limited coverage that is controlled by the teams themselves.
RadioTimes.com breaks down why these restrictions have been put in place.
Why is F1 testing private in Barcelona?
F1 testing in Barcelona this week is private to allow the teams to focus purely on testing their new cars without concerns about how the performance may be covered by the media or impact public opinion ahead of the new season.
The five-day event, which began on Monday 26th January and runs until Friday 30th January, has been arranged by the teams and will offer them extended opportunities to test the new cars, which is much-needed given the significant rule changes between seasons and the subsequent overhaul of the cars.
Teams are not pushing for the fastest track times or aiming to build hype but rather to test parts of the new models to discover what works and what needs further development, without fear of any failures or issues being picked up by the media or dominating the online discourse.
Independent media will not be present at the event, meaning teams are in full control of what information is put out, but, according to F1.com, "a highlights video will be released each day as well as short interviews with the drivers and team principals, clips on social media and supporting coverage across F1.com.
"The event is not about chasing performance – instead the teams will be focused on getting mileage on their cars and ensuring that all of the various parts work as expected amid the introduction of new regulations for the 2026 season. From the data they gather, each outfit will then be able to focus on where they need to improve going forward."
The good news for fans is that this blackout will not be in place for the final two rounds of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit next month.
The final hour of each day at F1 pre-season testing 1 (Wednesday 11th - Friday 13th February) and the entirety of pre-season testing 2 (Wednesday 18th - Friday 20th February) will be broadcast live, with Sky Sports expected to have extensive coverage for fans in the UK, while independent media will also be present.
How to watch highlights of F1 testing in Barcelona in the UK
Fans can tune in to watch a highlights and discussion show every evening during the Barcelona Shakedown from 7pm on the Sky Sports F1 YouTube channel and 9pm on Sky Sports F1.
Hosted by Ted Kravitz, the 30-minute show will feature a range of guests, who will break down any of the news, highlights, images, interviews and other information released by teams or the F1 throughout the event.
The limited coverage of the Barcelona Shakedown, including highlights, are expected to be available on F1.com and via the teams' channels as well.
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