Sky Sports F1 Confirms Broadcast Change for Bahrain Test

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Sky Sports F1 has confirmed a change to its pre season broadcast approach for the upcoming Formula 1 Bahrain test, reducing live coverage compared to recent years.

Formula 1 cars will return to the track next week for pre season testing in Bahrain, following last week’s private Barcelona shakedown. While the Barcelona running was held behind closed doors with no broadcast coverage, the Bahrain test will allow accredited media attendance, offering greater transparency ahead of the new season.

The Bahrain pre season programme will consist of two separate three day tests. The first session will run from February 11 to 13 and will provide teams with a critical opportunity to gather data on their new cars, which have been developed under the latest technical regulations.

For this initial test, Sky Sports F1 has confirmed it will broadcast only the final hour of on track action on each day. Live coverage will begin at 15:00 GMT, aligning with recently announced schedule changes to F1 TV.

Later each evening, Sky Sports F1 will air a dedicated analysis programme titled “Testing Wrap” at 20:00 GMT. The show will review the key developments from the day’s running, including performance trends, reliability updates, and early technical insights from the paddock.

This will be followed by “Ted’s Testing Notebook” at 20:30 GMT, presented by Ted Kravitz. The programme is expected to deliver detailed technical observations and behind the scenes reporting from the Bahrain paddock, consistent with its established role during pre season testing.

At this stage, the broadcast schedule for the second and final pre season test, scheduled to take place from February 18 to 20, has not yet been confirmed. Sky Sports F1 has indicated that details for the final test will be announced closer to the event.

The revised broadcast format reflects a shift toward selective live coverage combined with in depth evening analysis. While fans will see less continuous track action, the Bahrain test remains a crucial phase for teams as they evaluate performance, reliability, and development direction before the Formula 1 2026 season officially begins.