Formula 1 officially enters the 2026 era this week in Bahrain. Three days of testing, 11 teams, 22 drivers, and above all, regulations that completely reshuffle the deck. With less than a month to go before the Australian Grand Prix, every lap already counts double.
After a discreet shakedown in Barcelona, it's time for the first real full-scale crash test on the Sakhir circuit. And this time, there's no hiding.
F1: Sakir circuit hosts winter testing
Full schedule of the 2026 F1 tests in Bahrain:
Dates : Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 and Friday 13 February
Each day is divided into two sessions (only one car per team) F1 at the same time).
- Morning session: 10am – 14pm (local time)
8 p.m. – 12 p.m. (Paris time) - Afternoon session: 15pm – 19pm (local time)
13 p.m. – 17 p.m. (Paris time)
A one-hour break separates the two runs.
Where to watch the trials F1 2026 live? That's where the problem lies... again.
- Only 1 hour of TV broadcasting per day
- Authorized time slot: 18pm – 19pm (local time)
16pm – 17pm in France
In the United Kingdom, distribution is handled by Sky Sports F1.
Internationally, F1TV remains the main option.
By comparison, Barcelona wasn't even broadcast. Suffice it to say, Bahrain was the bare minimum.
Are the trials open to the public?: Yes, and that's a rather pleasant surprise.
- Thursday and Friday are open to fans.
- Price:
- Adults: 10 comics (~€19)
- Children (3–12 years): 5 comics (~€9,50)
Bonus: free entry for fans who purchased their Bahrain GP 2026 ticket before September 8th.
Who's driving in the 2026 F1 tests? Good news: everyone's here!. Even WilliamsHaving been absent in Barcelona, he finally takes to the track.
Among the fixed gazes:
- Lewis Hamiltonback after a week of intense media attention
- Kimi Antonellirecovered from his accident and ready to fight
- Fernando Alonso, first outing of theAston Martin version Newey
2026 Grid – Bahrain F1 Tests :
- McLaren: Lando Norris / Oscar Piastri
- Mercedes: George Russell / Kimi Antonelli
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen / Isack Hadjar
- Ferrari: Charles Leclerc / Lewis Hamilton
- Williams: Alex Albon / Carlos Sainz
- Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson / Arvid Lindblad
- Haas: Esteban Ocon / Oliver Bearman
- Audi: Gabriel Bortoleto / Nico Hülkenberg
- Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso / Lance Stroll
- Alpine: Pierre Gasly / Franco Colapinto
- Cadillac: Sergio Pérez / Valtteri Bottas
La F1 He's not even on the track yet, and the storm is already brewing in the paddock:
Mercedes Benz It arrives already with the label of the system to beat, its W17 scrutinized as a potential technical anomaly, while a controversy over the compression ratio threatens to spill from the paddock into the courtroom. In its wake, McLaren advances as the logical favorite after 2025, thanks to engine continuity that could make the difference from the very first Grand Prix.
Opposite, Red Bull intrigue with his alliance Forddiscreet but solid, while Aston Martin fuels all the fantasies surrounding the effect Adrian Newey. And then there is Classic Ferrari for sale : eternal focal point, oscillating between flamboyant promises and persistent doubts surrounding the SF-26.
One thing is certain: Bahrain will not crown anyone. But it will already, without mercy, single out those who missed the boat.
Few images, a trickle of release… and yet the stakes are enormous. F1 2026 is underway, but every lap in Sakhir will carry significant weight when the lights go out in Melbourne. The countdown has begun, and some are already taking big risks.
