On Wednesday, all 11 Formula 1 teams took part in the first morning session of the 2026 pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit, one month before the season opener. The session featured notable performances, including a strong showing by rookie driver Arvid Lindblad, who drove for Racing Bulls and completed 75 laps, securing the sixth fastest time of the morning at 1:37.945.
Verstappen Leads Morning Times as Piastri Impresses
Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen recorded the quickest lap in the morning session, setting a time of 1:35.433 after 65 laps. Defending champion Lando Norris did not participate in this session; however, his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished third in last season’s championship, posted the second-best time at 1:35.602. Close behind were George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, both showcasing solid pace during their runs.
Driver Returns and Limited Runs Among Teams
Valtteri Bottas made a noteworthy return to the cockpit for the Cadillac team, completing 49 laps after serving as a reserve driver in 2024. Alpine’s Lance Stroll and Franco Colapinto had shorter sessions, with Colapinto finishing approximately five seconds behind Verstappen’s leading time. These early tests will help teams fine-tune their cars ahead of the competitive season.
Season Countdown: Australia to Host Opening Race
The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to commence on March 8 at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit in Australia. The race is scheduled for an early start time of 5:00 AM CET (4:00 GMT), marking a significant milestone following the intensive pre-season testing phase.
