Verstappen to miss first day of Bahrain test, Barcelona secures F1 future

Max Verstappen will sit out the opening day of the final pre-season test in Bahrain, with Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar taking over the RB22 for the full day. Meanwhile, Team Principal Laurent Mekies is set to return to the paddock after a brief medical absence, and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has secured its place on the F1 calendar through 2032 as part of a rotation deal with Spa-Francorchamps.

Why it matters:

The final test in Bahrain is a critical shakedown before the season opener, making Verstappen's limited running a notable data point for Red Bull's preparation. Mekies' return stabilizes the team's leadership ahead of a pivotal year. The Barcelona contract extension, part of a rotation system, reflects F1's ongoing strategy to balance historic European circuits with global expansion.

The details:

• Driver Schedule: Isack Hadjar, a Red Bull junior driver, will complete all running on the first day of the Bahrain test in the RB22. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen is scheduled to begin his pre-season program on Thursday.
• Team Leadership: Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies, who missed the first Bahrain test last week due to a minor, routine medical procedure, has been cleared to return and will be present trackside for this final test session.
• Calendar News: Formula 1 and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya have agreed to a contract extension that will see the Spanish Grand Prix remain on the calendar until at least 2032. The event will operate on a rotation basis with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, with Barcelona scheduled to host races in 2028, 2030, and 2032 following the 2026 event.

What's next:

All eyes turn to the Bahrain International Circuit for the final three days of pre-season testing, where teams will conduct their last major simulations and data-gathering sessions before the competitive action begins. Verstappen's delayed start adds intrigue to Red Bull's test program, while the confirmed future for Barcelona provides clarity for the European leg of the F1 calendar for years to come.