Bahrain 2026 F1 Pre-Season Test Week One Schedule

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Formula 1 moves into its first official phase of preparation for the 2026 season with the opening pre-season test in Bahrain, following the initial shakedown event held in Barcelona. The test represents the first opportunity for teams to properly evaluate their new-generation cars under unrestricted testing conditions.

The Bahrain pre-season test will run for three days at the Sakhir circuit from Wednesday, 11 February to Friday, 13 February 2026. Unlike the earlier shakedown, teams face no limitations on when they can run across the day, allowing greater flexibility in executing performance runs, correlation work, and long-run simulations.

On-track action will begin at 10:00 local time each day and conclude at 19:00, with a mandatory one-hour lunch break scheduled between 14:00 and 15:00 local time. This timetable will remain unchanged throughout the three-day test.

All 11 Formula 1 teams are expected to be present in Bahrain. Williams is set for a particularly important test, as it will finally run the FW48 at full intensity after delays prevented the team from participating in the Barcelona shakedown. Meanwhile, Aston Martin will be looking to significantly increase mileage after completing just 65 laps during the Spain running.

Television coverage of the Bahrain test will be limited, with only the final hour of running broadcast each day. As is typical for pre-season testing, the primary focus will be on data gathering, system checks, and understanding the behaviour of the new technical regulations rather than outright lap times.

The Bahrain test is expected to provide the first meaningful insight into how teams have interpreted the 2026 regulations, particularly in areas such as energy management, reliability, and aerodynamic efficiency. Data collected in Sakhir will form the foundation for subsequent development phases ahead of the season-opening race.

Below is the full schedule for week one of the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain, presented in a mobile-friendly table format.

Bahrain 2026 F1 Pre-Season Test – Week One Schedule

With stable weather conditions and a consistent daily timetable, the Bahrain test is expected to deliver a clearer early picture of the competitive landscape ahead of the opening round of the 2026 Formula 1 season.