F1 Pre-Season Testing Kicks Off in Bahrain with Verstappen Leading Early Runs

The 2026 Formula 1 season unofficially began as pre-season testing got underway at the Bahrain International Circuit, with reigning champion Max Verstappen, McLaren's Oscar Piastri, and the new Cadillac F1 team all completing their initial installation laps and early runs under clear skies.

Why it matters:

This three-day test is the only collective running teams will have before the season-opening Grand Prix at the same venue next week. It provides the first real-world data on car performance, reliability, and the pecking order after a winter of development, setting the narrative for the start of a crucial season featuring major new technical regulations.

The details:

• Red Bull's early pace: Max Verstappen was among the first on track in the RB22, immediately setting a competitive pace and completing a trouble-free initial program, signaling Red Bull's intent to start the new era from the front.
• McLaren's focused start: Oscar Piastri took the wheel for McLaren's first session, concentrating on data collection and system checks. The team, which ended 2025 strongly, is looking to confirm its off-season development direction.
• Cadillac's F1 debut: The track action marked the historic first laps for the new Cadillac F1 Team, running its rebadged Haas chassis. All eyes are on their integration and reliability as they begin their inaugural campaign.
• Ideal conditions: Bahrain's dry and warm weather provided perfect testing conditions for teams to gather consistent data on tire performance and cooling, a valuable asset after limited winter running.

What's next:

Teams will now analyze terabytes of data from Day 1 to refine car balance and performance. The focus will shift to longer runs and race simulations over the next two days to assess tire degradation and reliability—key factors for the Bahrain GP. While lap times are heavily scrutinized, the true competitive picture will only fully emerge during qualifying next Friday.