Why is F1 testing so early this year?

Formula 1 pre-season testing will be run differently this year, starting in January instead of February.

There will be three tests before the season begins in Australia.

The main reason for the earlier testing is because of the technical rule changes to the chassis and engines in 2026, resulting in the biggest shake-up to the sport in more than a decade.

The chassis and engine rules have never been changed simultaneously to this extent - cars will be smaller, nimbler and more environmentally friendly.

More test sessions will therefore be needed, as many aspects of the driving will now be unfamiliar to the drivers and teams.

Due to these major changes, the first test will be held in private, allowing drivers to run their newly-designed cars on the track for the first time and adjust to the new changes and set-up, without added external pressure.

The test will therefore be held behind closed doors with no TV or media coverage.

Each team will be able to use a maximum of three consecutive days to gain vital data, between Monday, 26 to Friday, 30 January at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The next official tests will be on 11-13 and 18-20 February at the Bahrain International Circuit.

These tests will give us the first look at the 2026 cars and a general idea of what performance will be like over the season.

It will be one last chance for teams to make changes to the cars before the 24-race season begins.

Teams will launch their cars throughout January and February, with the final launch taking place on Monday, 9 February for McLaren.

In a typical season, there is one test which takes place over three days, just weeks before the season begins.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.