Formula 1

F1.com's Lawrence Barretto tries to answer the five key questions that came out of the first pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Charles Leclerc is staying “really cautious” about Ferrari’s 2026 prospects, despite the Scuderia enjoying “positive” reliability during the first pre-season test in Bahrain, with the Monegasque suggesting that while performance remains an unknown, Mercedes are 'hiding a massive amount'.

Max Verstappen has hailed Red Bull’s good start with their new power unit at pre-season testing as “very positive”, the Dutchman admitting that the performance has been “amazing to see” from a new manufacturer.

With the first three days of 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain now done and dusted, F1.com takes a closer look at the key numbers.

F1 wrapped up the first of two official pre-season tests in Bahrain on Friday, with drivers continuing to learn more about their new-for-2026 machines – which boast plenty of interesting technical features...

Catch up on the big talking points from Day 3 of the first pre-season test in Bahrain with the F1 TV crew.

The third and final day of pre-season testing saw some very high lap counts, as teams cracked on trying out different car set-ups and learning more about their power units and chassis. It's still too soon to suggest a true pecking order, but there were plenty more signs to help us build a picture ahead of next week's final test, and before the season opener in Australia on March 6-8.

The final day of the first 2026 pre-season test is now complete, with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli topping the timesheets.

Kimi Antonelli led team mate George Russell as Mercedes locked out the top two positions on the timing screens across the third and final day of 2026’s opening pre-season test in Bahrain.

Isack Hadjar has admitted that Red Bull’s progress during the first 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain has been “better than we hoped for”, with the Frenchman labelling the squad’s new power unit as “reliable” and “powerful”.

George Russell has described this week’s pre-season test in Bahrain as “a bit of a reality check” for Mercedes, believing that the team have “taken a step back” in terms of reliability and performance since the Barcelona Shakedown.

Lance Stroll has offered a frank assessment of where he feels Aston Martin stand after the first few days of running with their new Honda-powered challenger, suggesting the team are “four-and-a-half seconds” off the pace.

George Russell set the pace during the morning session on the third day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, the Mercedes driver heading Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on the timesheets.

Jack Doohan was all smiles as he arrived at the Bahrain International Circuit this week in his new role as a reserve driver for Haas, calling the move a “clean slate” that will take him “back to the drawing board”.

Keep up to date with all the action - both on track and off it - as the 11 F1 teams work on preparations for the 2026 season. Live coverage of Day 3 in Bahrain.

One more day of running lies ahead of the teams at the first official 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain, but who exactly will be in action? Check out the complete driver list in the table below...

F1 TV's Sam Collins uncovers some fascinating tech details from the second day of the first pre-season test in Bahrain.

The F1 TV crew outline the biggest talking points from Day 2 of the first pre-season test in Bahrain.

There were some impressive mileage counts on day two of pre-season testing in Bahrain, but while most teams were encouraged by what they were learning about their new-for-2026 Formula 1 machines, it wasn't so rosy for everyone...

The second day of pre-season testing for the 2026 season in Bahrain saw Charles Leclerc top the timesheets.