The first race of the Formula 1 2026 season might be a few weeks away, but the cars will hit the track on Wednesday for pre-season testing. With a complete overhaul of engine and aerodynamic regulations, fans are excited to see the teams' adaptability.
The Williams F1 team will also be a part of the first three-day testing. The UK-based outfit skipped all five days of the Barcelona shakedown. Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari, the big four, are also looking forward to building on the momentum they had in Barcelona.
Like Williams, Aston Martin will take their innovative design to the Bahrain tests. Among others, Alpine, Racing Bulls, Audi and Cadillac will also monitor their progress ahead of the first race weekend in Australia.
F1 Bahrain Testing: When Is It Scheduled?
Two pre-season testing rounds are scheduled before the Formula 1 season 2026 kicks off officially on March 8. The first of the two three-day tests begins on Wednesday, February 11 and goes until Friday, February 13. The second is reserved for the February 18-20 window.
F1 Bahrain Testing: Timings
Each of the designated sessions reserved for preseason testing spans four hours. Teams and drivers will also be given an hour break in between phases. This is usually for lunch, but teams tend to also go through their media duties during such breaks.
The same timings have been allocated for all six of the preseason testing days. It starts at 12:30 PM IST and finishes at 9:30 PM.
F1 Bahrain Testing: Where To Watch Live?
F1 fans can watch the Bahrain preseason testing days live in India via the digital streaming services provided by the Fancode app and website. You can also watch it live on F1TV.
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