F1 Bahrain final pre-season test: A complete recap
- Kavi Khandelwal
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Written by Kavi Khandelwal, Edited by Meghana Sree
The three-day pre-season test in Bahrain has once again concluded, and while the timesheets indicate a familiar rosso corsa at the top, the underlying narrative of the 2026 era is one of extreme technical adjustment.
With a significant drop in downforce levels, reminiscent of a Monza-spec setup, the final day of running proved that while the cars have become sleeker, they have also become far more temperamental.
On-track action
The final day of running was a microcosm of the entire test: a search for precision in a world of complex new regulations. The transition to the 2026 era has introduced significant handling challenges, with the Bahrain International Circuit’s Turn 1 and Turn 13 remaining consistent problem areas across the grid.
Drivers, including Nico Hülkenberg and Isack Hadjar, were seen wrestling with tyre lock-ups as they adjusted to the new aero and power unit characteristics.
Reliability remained a central theme throughout the week. The final morning saw Kimi Antonelli bring out the only red flag of the day after stopping on track, while earlier sessions were punctuated by incidents such as Lance Stroll’s spin on Day 1 and a water system leak for Red Bull on Day 2.
These hitches underscored the steep learning curve as teams move toward the first competitive sessions in Australia.
FIA official statement
Amidst the physical testing, the FIA issued a critical regulatory update regarding the next phase of the 2026 engine regulations on Wednesday. The full statement read as:
"The FIA has recently launched an e-vote primarily centred on a proposed change to the assessment of the power unit compression ratio in running condition. Over recent weeks and months, the FIA and the Power Unit Manufacturers have collaboratively developed a methodology to quantify how the compression ratio changes from ambient to operating conditions.
“Following validation of this approach, a proposal has been submitted whereby, from 1 August 2026, compliance with the compression ratio limit must be demonstrated not only at ambient conditions, but also at a representative operating temperature of 130°C.
“The vote has been submitted to the Power Unit Manufacturers, and its outcome is expected within the next 10 days and will be communicated in due course. As with all Formula 1 regulatory changes, any amendment remains subject to final approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council."
Team-by-team recaps
McLaren
The papaya team continued to impress, with reigning World Champion Lando Norris topping Day 2’s morning session on the C4 tyre. On the final day, Oscar Piastri handled morning duties and logged 66 laps, while Norris took over for the afternoon. Despite delays that saw the reigning world champion miss nearly half of the half session, Norris secured P2 overall.
Mercedes
The Silver Arrows appear to be a benchmark for the new era. George Russell went quickest on Day 1 with a 1:33.459, while Antonelli topped Day 2 with a 1:32.803. Despite the red flag on the final morning, Antonelli managed 49 laps, with George Russell adding a further 82 in the afternoon to finish P4.
Red Bull
Red Bull’s programme focused on system mapping and data collection. Hadjar handled the final morning session, logging 59 laps despite frustrations with tyre lock-ups. Max Verstappen returned to double-duty on Thursday, clocking a 1:33.162, and finished the test in P2 on the final day after adding 65 laps in the afternoon.
Ferrari
The Prancing Horse leaves Bahrain with significant momentum. Charles Leclerc topped the morning session on the final day with a 1:33.689 before improving to a 1:31.992 in the afternoon, completing 132 laps.
The team’s technical innovation has been a talking point, notably a blown winglet on the exhaust and a rear wing that rotates 180 degrees into an upside-down position on the straights to slash drag.
Lewis Hamilton added 122 laps to the tally by Friday, focusing on high-fuel race simulations.
Williams
The Grove-based team leaves Bahrain with a high volume of data, making up for their absence in Barcelona’s shakedown. Alex Albon took on the entire day on Day 2, logging 117 laps and finishing seventh overall. On the final day, Carlos Sainz completed the team’s programme, logging 143 laps and finishing P10.
Racing Bulls
The 2026 season’s only rookie, Arvid Lindblad, set a new record for mileage on the final day. The British driver completed an incredible 167 laps across the eight hours of running, finishing P9. Earlier in the week, Liam Lawson gathered critical data on the C4 compound, navigating close track moments with Haas.
Aston Martin
It was a week of major setbacks for Aston Martin. After Stroll’s spin on Day 1 and power unit issues for Fernando Alonso on Day 2, the team’s final day was decimated by further technical hitches. Stroll failed to set a timed lap on Friday, and the team concluded their programme over two hours early.
Haas
Haas enjoyed an untroubled final day, starting with Esteban Ocon in the morning, completing 82 laps, before handing over to Oliver Bearman in the afternoon. Bearman added 88 laps to finish P6. The team’s running has been consistent on the Ferrari power unity, with Bearman and Ocon previously recording identical best times on Day 2.
Audi
The new entrants made steady progress throughout the week. Hülkenberg logged 64 laps on the final morning, while Gabriel Bortoletto added 71 laps in the afternoon to finish P7. Bortoletto earlier ran race simulations on Day 1, establishing a solid baseline for the new team.
Alpine
Pierre Gasly enjoyed a strong finale, finishing P5 on the final day with 118 laps completed. Earlier in the test, Franco Colapinto handled double-duty, completing 120 laps on Day 2 and finishing sixth overall as the team established itself at the head of the mid-field.
Cadillac
Cadillac’s debut test saw the team iron out early sensor and reliability concerns. Sergio Pérez logged 61 laps on the final morning, while Valtteri Bottas added 38 laps in the afternoon to finish P14.
Looking ahead
With the pre-season testing complete, the countdown is on for the season opener in Melbourne, Australia. While Ferrari holds the top spot on the timesheets, the true pecking order remains an open question as the 11 teams prepare for the lights to go out on March 8th.
