F1 Testing 2026: Everything We Know After the First Bahrain Test!

February 17, 2026

Pre-season testing has given the first true glimpse of F1’s 2026 era, with new cars, new technology and early signs of a shifting competitive order already emerging!

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F1 testing has officially started with the first test at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, giving teams, drivers and fans their first real insight into a brand new era of the sport. After months of development, closed door shakedowns and simulation work, this three day test represented the first meaningful opportunity to understand how the new regulations translate into real world performance.

Rather than chasing lap times, teams approached the opening test with a clear focus on reliability, data collection, system integration and long run modelling. Bahrain was not about establishing a pecking order, but about building a foundation for the season ahead.

However, even in these early stages, clear trends, performance signals and narrative storylines have already begun to emerge.

The Winners from the First Bahrain Test

Several teams and drivers left Bahrain with clear positives, setting themselves up strongly ahead of the second and final pre season test.

Mercedes

Mercedes were one of the standout performers of the test. Despite early reliability issues, the team recovered strongly and ended the week with the fastest overall lap time, set by Kimi Antonelli, with George Russell close behind. Their pace runs showed strong baseline performance, while their data runs demonstrated promising long run consistency.

Mercedes in Bahrain
Source: BBC

More importantly, Mercedes appeared to have a stable and predictable platform, which is crucial under new regulations. Their ability to transition from early technical setbacks into competitive performance suggests a well structured development programme and strong operational execution.

Ferrari

Ferrari’s test was defined by consistency and discipline rather than headline speed. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc completed high mileage with clean running, minimal interruptions and strong reliability. The team focused heavily on data collection, correlation work and long run simulations, building a solid technical foundation rather than chasing single lap performance.

Ferrari’s approach reflects long term thinking and structured development, positioning them as one of the most stable teams heading into the opening races.

Williams

Williams emerged as one of the most impressive performers of the test from an operational perspective. After missing earlier private running opportunities, the team delivered one of the highest mileage totals of the week, demonstrating strong reliability and efficient test execution.

Williams testing in Bahrain.
Source: Williams

Their ability to run consistently, collect data and avoid major technical issues marks a clear step forward in structure, preparation and technical maturity.

Cadillac

In their first full Formula 1 test as a works team, Cadillac delivered a composed and productive programme. While outright pace remains difficult to assess, their reliability, system stability and ability to complete race simulations represent a strong foundation for a brand new operation.

For a debut test under new regulations, their performance structure was one of the most encouraging stories of the week.

The Teams Under Pressure

Not every team left Bahrain positively.

Aston Martin

Aston Martin endured a difficult test, recording the lowest mileage of any team. Reliability issues and limited running prevented the team from completing key data programmes, leaving them with a significant workload heading into the second test.

With development time critical under new regulations, the lost track time places immediate pressure on the team to recover quickly before the season opener.

What the Test Revealed About the 2026 Cars

Beyond team performance, the Bahrain test revealed important trends about the new generation of Formula 1 cars.

The new regulations place a much greater emphasis on system management, energy recovery and deployment strategies. Driving styles are adapting, with drivers now required to manage complex systems alongside traditional racing inputs.

Source: Formula 1

Active aerodynamics integration remains a major development focus, with teams prioritising stability and reliability over performance extraction.

Car concepts across the grid show significant variation, suggesting differing interpretations of the regulations that could lead to large performance divergence as development progresses.

The midfield performance picture appears tightly grouped, indicating the potential for one of the most competitive midfield battles in recent seasons.

What Happens Next

The second Bahrain test will take place from 18 to 20 February and will serve as the final pre season running before the championship begins in Melbourne on 8 March 2026.

This final test phase is expected to focus on longer race distance simulations, qualifying performance runs, introduction of first upgrade packages, increased performance extraction and final reliability validation.

By the end of Test Two, teams will transition from data collection into performance optimisation, providing the first real indication of the competitive order heading into the season opener.

Bahrain Circuit

The first Bahrain test has delivered a strong opening chapter to the 2026 Formula 1 season. Mercedes have set an early benchmark, Ferrari look stable and well structured, Williams and Cadillac have exceeded expectations in execution, and the midfield is shaping up to be intensely competitive.

At the same time, driver reactions highlight the scale of change brought by the new regulations, with opinions sharply divided on the future direction of the sport.

While no true pecking order can yet be defined, one thing is clear. The 2026 season is already shaping into a technically complex, strategically demanding and highly unpredictable championship.

The real answers will come in Melbourne, but Bahrain has provided the first serious signals that this new era of Formula 1 will be defined as much by adaptation and intelligence as by speed alone.

The 2026 F1 season is officially underway!

As Formula 1 enters its transformative 2026 season, a new era of innovation, design and performance begins to take shape. With sweeping regulation changes redefining the future of the sport, anticipation is building for a championship that promises to reshape the Formula 1 landscape.

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