Pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit continues as teams gear up for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Drivers push their new cars to the limit ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in just weeks.
Second Phase Underway After Barcelona
This marks the second official testing phase, building on a five-day private session in Barcelona earlier this year. Teams focus on optimizing performance and reliability for the upcoming campaign.
Verstappen Returns to Red Bull Cockpit
Max Verstappen missed Wednesday’s session, with Isack Hadjar handling duties for Red Bull. The five-time world champion now resumes track time, familiarizing himself with the updated machinery.
Hamilton Counters Safety Claims on New Power Units
Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, defends the 2026 cars’ powertrains featuring a 50:50 split between electric and combustion engines. He dismisses assertions that the hybrid setup poses safety risks.
FIA Rules in Favor of Mercedes Engines
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff receives confirmation that the squad can deploy their controversial 2026 engines through at least the summer break. The FIA ruling overrides objections from rival teams seeking to block the power units.
