Key Takeaways from F1 Pre-Season Testing
After three weeks of testing in Barcelona and Bahrain, seven key takeaways emerged from F1 pre-season testing, including Mercedes' status and new tech solutions, as teams prepare for Melbourne.
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After three weeks of testing in Barcelona and Bahrain, seven key takeaways emerged from F1 pre-season testing, including Mercedes' status and new tech solutions, as teams prepare for Melbourne.
Mercedes attracted attention on the final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain with a distinctive 'horns' design on the rear wing of Andrea Kimi Antonelli's car.

Conflicting reports are circulating regarding the evacuation of US troops from exposed military bases in Qatar and Bahrain.
All the key figures and data from the two F1 Bahrain pre-season tests have been released, providing insights into the teams' performances.

Charles Leclerc records the fastest time on the final day of F1 testing in Bahrain, while Honda expresses dissatisfaction with its performance and reliability during the pre-season tests.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli remains optimistic for the Melbourne race as Mercedes has identified and begun to fix the issue that affected him during Bahrain testing.
Aston Martin's 2026 F1 car is reportedly stuck in the garage in Bahrain due to a shortage of Honda engine parts.
Lando Norris set the fastest lap at the Formula 1 Bahrain pre-season testing, while Ferrari drew attention with its new rotating rear wing.
Mercedes driver George Russell was the fastest on the first day of Formula 1's final testing event in Bahrain, outpacing McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.
Formula 1 is trialing a unique 'blue warning' race start procedure at the Bahrain pre-season testing due to safety concerns.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has dismissed McLaren's concerns regarding Formula 1's start procedure with the new 2026 power units, while Alex Albon believes the new regulations will suit Hamilton.
Ferrari has surprised the F1 paddock in Bahrain with a new wing design behind the SF-26 exhaust, featuring a flap that utilizes exhaust gas flow for energy recovery.
The final F1 2026 testing session in Bahrain is expected to be dominated by safety concerns, including an engine row and a new issue regarding race starts, which will be discussed at an F1 Commission meeting.
While Dubai and Riyadh offer larger prize pools, Bahrain is steadily attracting mid-tier owners to its horse-racing circuit, establishing itself as a quiet but influential player.
Formula 1 drivers are facing new regulations as the first week of intensive testing in Bahrain wraps up, providing teams with crucial data.
Oscar Piastri noted that 2026 F1 race starts are proving "trickier in every respect" following Bahrain testing, highlighting the increased role of luck in clean getaways.
Despite Charles Leclerc posting the fastest lap, Ferrari's 2026 F1 turbo has raised concerns among engineers following pre-season testing in Bahrain.
The F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain has concluded, revealing a tight competition at the front, momentum for Haas and Alpine in the midfield, and challenges for Aston Martin.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari topped the timesheets and completed extensive laps on the final day of Formula One pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the F1 Bahrain pre-season test, positioning Ferrari as a strong contender for the upcoming 2026 season, with analysts ranking all 11 teams.
Lewis Hamilton was the quickest off the mark in both practice starts on the second day of Bahrain testing, catching the attention of Ferrari. David Croft commented on how sharp the Ferrari launches lo
The King Fahd Causeway has introduced new toll rates for the first time in a decade, affecting cars, buses, and trucks, with cars now paying 35 SAR.
Behind-the-scenes footage from the 2026 F1 grid photo shoot amuses fans, while reports emerge about Red Bull shutting down Max Verstappen rumors and Ferrari's struggles with their new power unit during Bahrain testing.
Mercedes driver George Russell led the timesheets on the opening day of the second Formula One pre-season testing session held in Bahrain.
George Russell of Mercedes secured the fastest lap during the Bahrain pre-season test, narrowly beating Oscar Piastri of McLaren, while Ferrari, Red Bull, Aston Martin, and Cadillac encountered various problems.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc topped the morning session of the F1 Bahrain pre-season test, setting the fastest lap time ahead of Lando Norris.
Formula 1 drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, have begun to share their initial opinions on the proposed 2026 car designs ahead of the second Bahrain test.
Isack Hadjar has been observed using a high-rev energy trick, similar to Max Verstappen's, during pre-season testing in Bahrain, as Red Bull Racing shows early strength for the 2026 season.
David Coulthard has expressed concerns about Lewis Hamilton's adjustment to Ferrari, suggesting he is 'half a tenth' slower after the 2026 Bahrain testing.
The second week of Formula 1 pre-season testing is scheduled to take place in Bahrain from February 18-20, with fans eager for details on how to watch and what to expect.
Fred Vasseur states Ferrari is now aiming for a race win at the Australian Grand Prix following an impressive performance in pre-season testing.
Preseason testing for the new Formula 1 season has concluded in Bahrain, with teams now preparing for the first practice session.
Scouting reports for the 2026 NFL Draft have begun to emerge, highlighting Washington running back Jonah Coleman and Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson as prospects.

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari clocked the quickest time at the final F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, with Lando Norris second and Max Verstappen third.
Ruth Buscombe noted that McLaren's Oscar Piastri experienced significant tire degradation during a race simulation at the Bahrain test, suggesting Max Verstappen would have an advantage.
Charles Leclerc set the quickest time on Friday morning during the F1 Bahrain pre-season test, while Aston Martin faced further problems, completing only two laps on the final day.
Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri set the first 1m32s lap times in F1’s 2026 Bahrain pre-season test, with Mercedes narrowly outpacing McLaren, while Aston Martin continued to struggle.
The FIA confirms the continuation of practice start trials at Bahrain F1 testing, with McLaren expressing support for what they consider 'sensible' changes.
Tennis world number one Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his Australian Open win, shared his impressions of Formula 1 after attending pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Lewis Hamilton expresses that he finds the new Formula 1 cars 'more fun' to drive this year, contrasting with the opinions of Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso.
Jack Doohan, now with Haas, noted a braking issue with Racing Bulls during Formula 1 testing in Bahrain, expressing optimism for the new season.
Scuderia Ferrari is set to introduce an updated SF-26 with new aerodynamic components and a fresh power unit during the second Bahrain F1 test session.
Fernando Alonso is closely monitoring Aston Martin's 2026 car development, putting pressure on the team after a concerning start to pre-season testing in Bahrain.
The UAE and Bahrain have introduced a pilot initiative, the 'One-Point Air Travellers' Project, enabling citizens to complete entry procedures before departure.
Following pre-season testing in Bahrain, the McLaren F1 boss has urged for three rule changes, citing safety concerns regarding the sport's new 2026 regulations.