Formula 1's 2026 season is gearing up for its official preseason testing in Bahrain, following a behind-closed-doors shakedown in Barcelona. With all 11 new cars on track together for the first time, the next two weeks will offer a clear early indication of who has adapted quickest to the sport's sweeping regulation changes. Here's your comprehensive guide to the Bahrain testing schedule and how to watch it live.
When and Where is the Testing?
The Bahrain testing will take place from February 11th to 13th and February 18th to 20th, with each test spanning three days. The remaining six days of testing will follow the same schedule, starting at 7 a.m. GMT and finishing at 4 p.m. (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Bahrain).
Who's Participating?
All 11 teams will be in action across the Bahrain tests, including the debut of Williams, who skipped the Barcelona shakedown. Teams are expected to use their 2026 race drivers, as the amount of work to get used to the all-new cars means the stars behind the wheel can make a significant impact.
How to Watch?
F1 and its teams tried to keep Barcelona as secret as possible, but for the first time this year, fans will get a chance to watch the action live in Bahrain. However, not every minute will be live until the second test. For the opening three days, only the final hour will be streamed live across F1's broadcast partners, such as Sky Sports F1 in the UK. Sky will broadcast the action from 3 p.m. to 4:10 p.m. each day.
Fans can keep track of the times throughout the three days on F1's website, and ESPN will be running a live blog from Bahrain. The second test will be live throughout the three days.
Teams to Watch
Mercedes has established itself as the early team to beat in F1 2026, with impressive performance and mileage already. McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari are also expected to show their hand in Bahrain. Aston Martin and Williams are considered wildcards with innovative designs but limited track work. Alpine and Racing Bulls have been impressive out of the usual midfield, while new outfits Audi and Cadillac have a bit of work to do.
Bahrain Testing Schedule
All times are in GMT:
- Bahrain Test 1: February 11th (7 a.m. - 4 p.m.), February 12th (7 a.m. - 4 p.m.), February 13th (7 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
- Bahrain Test 2: February 18th (7 a.m. - 4 p.m.), February 19th (7 a.m. - 4 p.m.), February 20th (7 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
