The second day of pre-season testing is underway at the Bahrain International Circuit, as eleven Formula 1 teams continue preparations for the 2026 season. Testing commenced today, , with teams focused on maximizing track time and gathering crucial data ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Yesterday saw George Russell of Mercedes set the fastest lap of the four days of running thus far, a benchmark that will be closely watched today as Max Verstappen takes to the track for the first time during this test session. Verstappen’s teammate, Isack Hadjar, spent the entirety of Wednesday in the RB22, completing 66 laps before a water system leak curtailed their running. Red Bull will be looking to address the issue and increase their mileage today.
Fernando Alonso is scheduled to spend the entire day behind the wheel of the Aston Martin AMR26, as the team aims to make improvements following a challenging start to the test. The AMR26 represents a significant collaboration for Aston Martin, being the team’s first car designed with Honda power units and under the guidance of Adrian Newey. The team will be hoping to see tangible progress on day two.
Mercedes currently appears to be setting the pace, but the early stages of pre-season testing often mask the true competitive order. Teams are typically focused on data collection and systems checks rather than outright performance runs. However, Russell’s quick lap time does indicate a strong starting point for the Silver Arrows.
The focus for many teams will be on understanding the new regulations for the 2026 season. The changes are substantial, impacting both the power units and the aerodynamic regulations. Teams are working to optimize their car designs to extract maximum performance within the new framework.
Several teams are also evaluating different trackside engineering structures. Aston Martin, for example, has made changes to its trackside engineering team, signaling a commitment to improving its operational efficiency. These organizational adjustments are often made during pre-season testing to ensure a smooth and effective race weekend operation.
Lewis Hamilton, who is entering his second season with Ferrari, has reportedly expressed feeling “in the best place I’ve been for a long time.” While the specifics of his comments weren’t detailed, this suggests a positive atmosphere within the Ferrari team as they prepare for the new season. The Italian outfit is hoping to build on its progress from the previous year and mount a stronger championship challenge.
Alpine is also encouraged by early signs from its 2026 car, describing it as “much better” than its predecessor. The team will be looking to confirm these initial impressions with further testing and data analysis. Alpine has faced challenges in recent seasons and a significant step forward in performance is crucial for their ambitions.
The second Bahrain test is the final opportunity for teams to fine-tune their cars before the season opener in Australia. Every lap counts as engineers analyze data and make adjustments to optimize performance. The teams will be pushing their cars to the limit, seeking to identify any potential weaknesses and address them before the competitive action begins.
Kimi Antonelli recently lowered the benchmark during testing, though details surrounding that achievement were not immediately available. The competitive landscape is constantly evolving, and each team is striving to gain an edge over its rivals.
Live timing and updates are available throughout the day, allowing fans to follow the action in real-time. The second day of testing promises to be another busy and informative session as the teams continue their preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The ultimate goal is to arrive in Australia with a car that is both competitive and reliable, capable of challenging for podium finishes and race wins.
The second pre-season test in Bahrain is crucial for all eleven teams. The data collected here will shape the development direction of their cars throughout the season. With significant regulation changes in place, understanding the nuances of the new rules is paramount. The teams are working tirelessly to unlock the full potential of their machines and prepare for a thrilling 2026 Formula 1 season.
