Max Verstappen led Oscar Piastri in the first track session of 2026 F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain. The smooth morning was only interrupted by a single red flag for Williams' Franco Colapinto, as all teams began their crucial data-gathering programs for the new era.
Audi unveiled a radically redesigned F1 car with vertical 'zero-pod' style sidepods at the Bahrain pre-season test, marking a bold and risky new aerodynamic direction following a troubled initial shakedown.
A sequel to the hit film 'F1: The Movie' is officially in development, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed. The original film, starring Brad Pitt, grossed over $633 million globally, becoming Pitt's highest-earning movie and winning awards for its editing and sound.
Audi has introduced a dramatically revised sidepod concept on its 2026 F1 car during Bahrain testing, shifting to a smaller, more vertical inlet design that draws visual comparisons to Mercedes' infamous 2022 'zeropods' while retaining key bodywork elements.
Max Verstappen led the timesheets in the first pre-season test session in Bahrain, edging out Oscar Piastri. The session was interrupted by a red flag after Williams' Franco Colapinto stopped on track, while several teams logged crucial mileage with their new cars.
Mercedes' 2026 power unit, compliant in static tests but allegedly achieving a higher compression ratio on track, has drawn formal complaints from rival manufacturers. Williams boss James Vowles defends the design as a legitimate engineering advantage, setting up a crucial test for the FIA on regulating innovation versus closing loopholes.
The first red flag of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain was caused by a Williams stoppage but proved to be a minor interruption. The session quickly resumed, with all teams logging strong mileage and showing promising early reliability as they begin their crucial 2025 car development programs.
Adrian Newey formulated the core design concept for Aston Martin's 2026 F1 car while on gardening leave from Red Bull, applying a 'holistic' philosophy reminiscent of his successful Williams-to-McLaren transition. His arrival marks a pivotal moment for the ambitious team, though he cautions that integrating personnel is as crucial as the world-class facilities.
Pre-season testing for the 2026 F1 season is underway in Bahrain, offering the first glimpse of the new cars. Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, and the debutant Cadillac team all completed initial runs, with teams gathering crucial data on performance and reliability ahead of next week's season opener.
The 2026 F1 pre-season officially kicks off with Day 1 of testing in Bahrain. Williams debuts its car after missing the Barcelona shakedown, while Aston Martin and Cadillac target increased mileage. The session offers limited televised coverage as teams begin the critical process of understanding their new challengers.
Max Verstappen states that Red Bull's openness to his non-F1 racing projects, including running his own GT team, is crucial for keeping him "satisfied" and motivated in Formula 1, highlighting a modern approach to driver management by the champion team.
NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. hopes Daniel Ricciardo will race in the series, citing the Australian's admiration for his father and modern cars that are now better suited for F1 drivers. He also named Max Verstappen as another dream crossover candidate.
