Formula 1, Sportrik Media - The second 2026 F1 pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit takes place from 18–20 February, with leading contenders including Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing, Lewis Hamilton at Scuderia Ferrari, and George Russell representing Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team utilising consistent weather conditions to finalise their technical packages ahead of the 2026 season opener.
Track action is scheduled daily from 07:00 to 16:00 GMT in Sakhir. Afternoon temperatures are forecast to peak between 23°C and 25°C, with morning sessions beginning in milder 17–19°C conditions. Under the strategic direction of team principals such as Christian Horner, Frédéric Vasseur, and Toto Wolff, teams are expected to capitalise on the stable environment to refine aerodynamic correlation, cooling efficiency, and power unit integration.
The near-identical climate to the opening 11–13 February test provides a valuable engineering reference point. Comparable ambient and track temperatures enable accurate benchmarking of upgrades, long-run degradation profiles, and hybrid energy deployment mapping, reducing environmental variability in performance analysis.
Winds are forecast to blow predominantly from the north-east through to the south-east at light to moderate strength. While not expected to create significant balance concerns, gusts may still influence braking stability and traction zones in Bahrain’s exposed sections, making fine mechanical adjustments essential.
A layer of suspended desert dust is anticipated to remain in the atmosphere, producing hazy horizons without settling on the circuit surface. As a result, grip levels should remain consistent, preserving the validity of aerodynamic and tyre data gathered during extended simulation runs.
With stable temperatures, manageable wind levels and no risk of rain, the second Bahrain test is set to provide teams with another uninterrupted and productive programme. Such consistency is critical before freight departs for Melbourne, where limited practice time will demand well-correlated baseline set-ups from the opening session of the Australian Grand Prix weekend.
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