Formula 1

The sound of 2026-spec Formula 1 cars reverberated around the Bahrain International Circuit on Wednesday as the much-anticipated opening day of pre-season testing began. Despite some impressive lap counts, it's way too early to be drawing any concrete conclusions regarding the pecking order, but there were definitely things to be gleaned from the day's action.

The first day of the opening pre-season testing in Bahrain is now complete.

See all 11 cars hit the track during the first pre-season test in Bahrain.

James Vowles feels that the “mood has lifted” at Williams as the team hit the track for official pre-season testing in Bahrain, having missed the Barcelona Shakedown just two weeks earlier.

Toto Wolff made clear that Mercedes “have to get our act together” as pre-season testing develops at the Bahrain International Circuit, after taking note of a “very, very strong” Max Verstappen and Red Bull.

Lewis Hamilton has opened up on the “difficult decision” to part ways with former race engineer Riccardo Adami, with the seven-time World Champion suggesting that not yet having a permanent replacement could be “detrimental” for him.

Lando Norris topped the timesheets as pre-season testing kicked off at the Bahrain International Circuit on Wednesday, leading the way from Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.

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The first session of 2026 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit has seen Max Verstappen top the timesheets.

As official pre-season testing begins in Bahrain ahead of the 2026 campaign, here are all the key test-related terms that you might hear mentioned quite frequently.

Pre-season testing in Bahrain is officially underway, with the cars having now been out on track at the Bahrain International Circuit.

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 1 in Bahrain.

These are the teams and drivers that will be in action for the opening day of the first pre-season test in Bahrain.

Red Bull test and reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda will return to the cockpit of a Formula 1 car later this month when he takes part in a special demonstration event in America.

Lando Norris believes it is “clear” that he has a “different mentality” to Max Verstappen, with the Briton reflecting on what motivates his own desire to win and the areas that he still wants to improve on.

Laurent Mekies revealed that Isack Hadjar’s rapid progression during his rookie season was key in his promotion to Red Bull, with the Team Principal heaping praise on the youngster’s “maximum intensity” approach to his pre-season training.

Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin has labelled the team’s 2026 preparations as the “biggest project we’ve ever done”, with the Briton admitting that work on the new power unit has been ongoing for “years”.

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, it is the perfect excuse to celebrate your shared love of Formula 1. From nights in, to unforgettable experiences further afield, here are some F1-themed date ideas.

Adrian Newey has described the “emotional journey of passion” behind his very first Aston Martin design, while praising the team for the “huge strides” they are making in terms of working together more cohesively.

McLaren and Aston Martin were the final teams to unveil their shiny new liveries for the upcoming 2026 season, rounding out the grid of 22 striking challengers.