F1 testing 2026 live: Leclerc quicker than Norris on day one of final Bahrain test
Follow live F1 coverage from the Bahrain International Circuit at the final test before the 2026 season begins
The 2026 Formula 1 season is a fortnight away from starting in Australia and the teams and drivers will be making their final checks at this week’s final pre-season test in Bahrain.
With new engine and chassis regulations this season, the grid has already undertaken eight days of testing - five in a private format in Barcelona and three last week in Bahrain. This final three-day event is the final action before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 6-8 March.
Mercedes came out the strongest from Barcelona but Red Bull, in partnership with new engine partner Ford, were impressive last week in Sakhir, despite Max Verstappen describing this new generation of car as “anti-racing” and “like Formula E on steroids.” Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was also among the drivers unimpressed by aspects of the new machinery.
Further discussions will be taking place between all 11 teams and the FIA this week over a myriad of issues, including the ongoing engine compression row and the safety of race starts, as the new campaign draws ever closer.
Follow live updates from F1 pre-season testing with The Independent
Team principals in F1 Commission meeting
A smooth running for most teams on track this morning - but what’s happening in the boardroom?
All 11 teams are meeting with the FIA this morning to discuss the myriad of issues - including race starts, lift and coast and overtake mode - ahead of the new season.
I wonder if we’ll get any big changes...
EXPLAINED: What is 'active aero'?
For the first time, F1 has introduced dynamically adjustable angles for the front and rear wings, changing automatically depending on whether the driver is on a straight or in a corner.
The wings will open (reducing drag) on the straights and close (increasing downforce) in the corners, with the cars operating in X (straight) mode or Z (corner) mode respectively. It is hoped this will maximise the full usage of the car’s power through greater on-track grip.
Overall, downforce has been reduced by 15-30% for 2026, as a result of the cars losing the ground-effect floor tunnels used in the 2022-2025 regulation cycle.
Problems continue for Hadjar
The Red Bull driver has been in the garage for more than 90 minutes now and has registered just 13 laps this morning - the least of any driver.
Sergio Perez has now completed 17, while Arvid Lindblad leads the way on 58.
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Kimi Antonelli closes gap
Antonelli was on a flier, but in the end stays third-fastest - but closes the gap on Leclerc to 0.419 secs.
The Italian teenager, who missed out on a lot laps for Mercedes in last week’s test, has completed 39 laps so far - the most other than Arvid Lindblad, who’s on 46.
NEWS: Red Bull’s chief F1 designer leaves team – two weeks before 2026 season
Red Bull have suffered an early-season blow with the departure of chief F1 designer Craig Skinner from the team.
Skinner worked closely with Red Bull’s former design guru Adrian Newey, now team principal at Aston Martin, but the Milton Keynes outfit have now confirmed his exit after two decades.
While not directly linked to other departures, Skinner is the latest in a long line of key personnel to leave the team in the last year or two.
Sergio Perez out on track
Hopefully some consistent laps in order now for the Cadillac driver, who is back out on the circuit.
Nico Hulkenberg has a moment
The Audi driver has a snap coming out of turn four, clips the gravel, but weaves his way back on the circuit.
Meanwhile, there’s a human wall in front of the Red Bull garage as work is being done on Isack Hadjar’s car.
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