F1 testing 2026 live: Kimi Antonelli stops on track on final day in Bahrain
Follow live F1 coverage from the Bahrain International Circuit at the final test before the 2026 season takes place
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
Green flag
A quick recovery for the car off track and we’re back underway, with Cadillac’s Sergio Perez straight out.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll remains in the garage...
Kimi Antonelli stops on track
How odd!
The Mercedes driver seems to just completely lose power, coming out of turn 10, and stops at the side of the track.
He’s out of the car and the marshals are on the circuit ready to wheel the car away.
Strange one for Mercedes...
NEWS: F1 trials unique ‘blue warning’ race start at Bahrain pre-season testing
Formula 1 has trialled a new race start procedure – involving flashing blue grid panels – at pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Following discussions in a meeting of the F1 Commission on Wednesday, 10 cars trialled a fresh procedure on Wednesday, with a “five-second, blue pre-start warning” before the usual five red lights illuminate and vanish.
The drivers completed two formation laps before setting up on the grid and undertaking the new protocol. With noisy revving engines, all 10 cars moved off the line, with some experiencing more wheelspin than others. Further trials will take place on Thursday and Friday.
F1 trials unique ‘blue warning’ race start at Bahrain pre-season testing
Lewis Hamilton feels in ‘best place personally’ ahead of 2026 F1 season
Lewis Hamilton believes he is in the best place he has been for a long time and is excited by his prospects ahead of the new Formula One season.
The seven-time world champion endured a difficult debut season with Ferrari, failing to secure a podium as he finished sixth in the standings.
Hamilton’s end to the season was particularly challenging as he did not qualify higher than 13th in the final four races.
Full piece below:
Lewis Hamilton feels in ‘best place personally’ ahead of 2026 F1 season
Toto Wolff in bizarre ‘Epstein files’ rant over F1 engine row
"Stories that we have an illegal engine are bull****. Just like [the stories] that our fuel wouldn't meet the standards.
"Maybe something else will come up tomorrow, perhaps that I'm in the Epstein files... though I already regret that remark."
Charles Leclerc fastest
The Ferrari driver sets the early benchmark with a 1:33:689, six-tenths clear of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in second. Here’s the early top-five:
1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 1:33.689
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.663
3. Esteban Ocon (Haas) +0.805
4. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +0.822
5. Carlos Sainz (Williams) +1.838
Aston Martin struggling
The only car we’re yet to see this morning is Lance Stroll’s Aston, with the protective screen up outside the garage.
Another really tough few days for Aston....
No Lewis Hamilton today
Hamilton ran for a full day yesterday and therefore today is Leclerc’s turn.
The next time we’ll see Lewis? Melbourne in two weeks!
Early laps completed
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 2
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 3
Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) - 6
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 4
Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 3
Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 6
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 0
Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 3
Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 4
Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 4
Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 1
Who's driving this morning?
McLaren - Oscar Piastri
Mercedes - Kimi Antonelli
Red Bull - Isack Hadjar
Ferrari - Charles Leclerc
Williams - Carlos Sainz
Racing Bulls - Arvid Lindblad
Aston Martin - Lance Stroll
Haas - Esteban Ocon
Audi - Nico Hulkenberg
Alpine - Pierre Gasly
Cadillac - Sergio Perez
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