The schedule for the second week of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain

Too complex and unpredictable, with incomprehensible energy management, sometimes reminiscent of the Formula E for some, or representing a very fun challenge for others: the F1 The 2026 models have left no one indifferent. Whatever the opinions, the new versions have undeniably provoked a reaction from the drivers at the end of the first week of testing held from February 11 to 13 on the Sakhir circuit (Bahrain).

Now, it's time for a final pre-season test session to fine-tune the settings before the start of the championship, scheduled for March 8 in Melbourne, Australia. Unlike the first week, the second test session, lasting three days, will be broadcast in its entirety.

The first week of testing primarily allowed the teams to validate the reliability of their power units, which have been completely redesigned this season as part of the F1 regulation changes. With the 2026 season approaching, the teams are also vying for the title of favorite, each seeking to avoid this label – synonymous with pressure.

Which team is the favorite?

On the side of McLaren and Mercedes Benz, Red Bull is presented as the benchmark on the grid. The Brackley team particularly emphasizes the straight-line speed of the Austrian single-seaters, supposedly up to a second faster, thanks to a particularly efficient battery charging capacity.

However, this interpretation is disputed by several pilots. Charles Leclerc et Max Verstappen They accuse Mercedes of masking its true potential. The three-pointed star could thus hope to avoid FIA regulatory intervention regarding the compression ratio. A parameter that the engineers in Brixworth have apparently managed to exploit to their advantage. Wait until Melbourne to see Mercedes' speed on the straights. " asserted the Dutchman, while the Monegasque warned that Mercedes " conceals a lot "of his performance."

McLaren, for its part, is deliberately taking a step back. The Woking-based team believes it is in fourth place, arguing that factory teams benefit from a structural advantage, their chassis having been designed from the outset around the engine, unlike customer teams.

The results of the first trials

In terms of mileage, McLaren and Williams They dominated the proceedings, each completing 422 laps. Having missed the F1 Shakedown held at the end of January at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, the Grove-based team needs to make up ground. While rival teams will gradually begin to focus on performance, Williams will continue to work on the setup of its FW48, which is noticeably stiffer and lacking grip, in order to establish itself at the front of the midfield.

Within this same group, Haas proved particularly strong, accumulating 390 laps. We have a very good base " rejoiced Ayao Komatsu, the team director, after the first tests.

While Mercedes was limited in its running due to an engine problem for Kimi Antonelli and George Russell insists that the tests were " an awareness "For the team, the two drivers were nevertheless the only ones to go below the minute 34 mark. The Italian indeed set the reference time for the week at 1:33.669 on Friday.

For its Formula 1 debut, Cadillac impressed, recording more laps than Alpine, Mercedes and Aston MartinThe other newcomer, Audi, has fielded a " Spec-B ", featuring extremely reduced sidepods, reminiscent of the concept adopted by Mercedes in 2022 and 2023. The car's front wing was also largely redesigned compared to the version presented by the team Hinwil in Barcelona. Already lagging behind during the Shakedown, the Aston Martin remains in difficulty, completing only 206 laps in Bahrain, the lowest total on the grid.

Following initial observations, other concerns have arisen, particularly regarding safety at the start of the Grand Prix. The removal of the MGU-H now requires the engine to rev up for approximately ten seconds with the accelerator fully depressed before it can start. Andrea Stella, McLaren's team principal, has called on the governing body to review the starting procedure, despite the veto opposed by Classic Ferrari for sale few months ago.

📊 The Bahrain International Circuit in figures

• First Grand Prix: 2004
• Length: 5,412 km
• Turns: 15
• Lap record: 1:31.447 (Pedro de la Rosa – McLaren – 2005)

F1 – Bahrain 2026 Pre-Season Tests 2

Wednesday February 18
7h50 - Morning session (Canal+ Sport)
12h50 - Afternoon session (Canal+ Sport)
Thursday February 19
7h50 - Morning session (Canal+ Sport)
12h50 - Afternoon session (Canal+ Sport)
Friday February 20
7h50 - Morning session (Canal+ Sport)
12h50 - Afternoon session (Canal+ Sport)

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