Everything you need to know about F1 2026 Bahrain pre-season testing

All the key information you need to know about F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain.

17 Feb 2026

F1’s preparations for its new era and 2026 campaign continue this week with the second and final pre-season test in Bahrain.

The 11 teams will have six days of running split across two three-day tests at the Bahrain International Circuit to get on top of their all-new cars ahead of the upcoming campaign.

This is everything you need to know about F1 pre-season testing.

When and where is F1 2026 pre-season testing?

The first pre-season test took place between Wednesday 11 February and Friday 13 February.

The second three-day test will be held between Wednesday 18 February and Friday 20 February.

Each test will run from 7am UK time until 4pm with a one-hour break for lunch each day.

All 11 teams will take part and will run one car across the eight hours of track time per day.

With teams only using a single car, their drivers will share time behind the wheel. This will give each driver one-and-a-half days in the cockpit, which equates to around 12 hours of track time per test.

Teams will start to run their 2026 cars in anger and simulate programmes that mirror grand prix race weekends.

As well as using the tests to further understand F1’s new rules, including elements such as Overtake Mode, Boost Mode, and Active Aero, teams will start to look at performance, although they will be keen to keep their cards close to their chest.