Lando Norris set the fastest time in Bahrain testing for McLaren, but Ferrari stole the technical spotlight as Lewis Hamilton briefly debuted a radical new active rear wing that flips upside down on straights. Hamilton's running was cut short to just five laps, while Norris led Max Verstappen and George Russell on the timesheets.
A behind-the-scenes video from the 2026 F1 grid photoshoot, showing drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz in candid, humorous moments, has gone viral on social media, delighting fans with a glimpse of the paddock's lighter side ahead of the new season.
Ferrari has unveiled a groundbreaking 'flip-wing' rear wing during F1 testing, where the main flap rotates 180 degrees to slash drag. The innovative design, still under evaluation, aims to create a unique aerodynamic advantage that rivals would struggle to copy, though its testing was interrupted by a separate car issue.
The Aston Martin Vantage used as the safety car in the infamous 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen clinched his first title, is now for sale for £599,990. Signed by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, this piece of F1 history saw action in 34 races and is a direct relic of one of the sport's most controversial moments.
Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon warn that F1's new 2026 regulations may have widened the performance gap between teams. Albon fears the grid could split into four distinct tiers, with over three seconds separating the fastest and slowest cars in Melbourne, a step back from the incredibly tight field seen at the end of last season.
Ferrari has debuted a striking 'upside-down' rear wing during Bahrain pre-season testing, featuring an inverted mainplane design. The innovative concept, analyzed by Sam Collins, aims to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and downforce under F1's current rules, signaling an aggressive technical direction from the team ahead of the new campaign.
Oscar Piastri placed McLaren second on the timesheets, just a hundredth off the pace, on the first day of the final F1 pre-season test in Bahrain. The team completed a solid program with both drivers, gathering data in varied conditions as they prepare to solidify their position in what appears to be a close-knit top four.
Lewis Hamilton enters the 2026 F1 season with renewed optimism, feeling more connected to Ferrari's new car after a challenging debut year. He credits his involvement in the car's development and expresses full faith in the team's process as they aim to bounce back.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has called Max Verstappen's public criticism of the 2026 technical regulations "not helpful," urging patience and unity. He argues Formula 1 is bigger than any individual and that teams deserve time to develop the new cars before judgment.
Cadillac's F1 debut is marked by a focus on long-term success over short-term points. The team, having passed its first major test in Barcelona, is leveraging experienced drivers and leadership to build a foundation for future competitiveness, with plans already in motion for its own power unit by 2029.
Max Verstappen will not drive during Wednesday's Bahrain pre-season test, with Red Bull reserving the day for junior driver Isack Hadjar. The session features key driver rotations across all teams, including Lewis Hamilton's first afternoon run for Ferrari, in the final test before the 2026 season begins.
The final F1 pre-season test in Bahrain is live, with full broadcast details and driver schedules confirmed. This three-day session is the last chance for teams to refine their 2026 cars before the competitive season begins, with Mercedes and Red Bull tipped as early favorites.
