Bahrain – The Formula 1 preseason testing schedule is well underway at the Bahrain International Circuit, offering the first tangible glimpse of how the 2026 season might unfold. While early conclusions are always tentative, the initial days have been marked by technical hiccups for some teams, particularly Aston Martin, and a growing sense that the new regulations are fundamentally altering the driving experience.
Alonso Voices Concerns Over ‘Robot Style’ Racing
Two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso has been vocal about his reservations regarding the direction of Formula 1, expressing concern that the sport is losing its “peak DNA.” Speaking earlier this week, Alonso lamented the increasing reliance on energy management and complex systems, stating that modern F1 feels less like pure racing and more like a highly technical exercise. “Some of the energy management and some of the driving that you have to do in order to optimise the energy around the lap, and sometimes even in qualifying, is a little bit annoying from a driver point of view,” Alonso said. “You want to drive at 100% and I think now you need to think a little bit more than that.”
Alonso, who also competes in endurance racing and IndyCar, acknowledges the demands of fuel and energy conservation in other series. However, he suggests that the current F1 regulations place an undue emphasis on these factors, potentially diminishing the raw speed and instinctive driving that characterized the sport in previous eras. He contrasted the current situation with his experiences in other racing disciplines, noting that while management is always a factor, the initial feeling is that drivers would prefer to drive “flat out” and experience a different kind of car.
Aston Martin Faces Early Setback
Aston Martin has encountered an early challenge in testing, with the team reporting an anomaly with their power unit. According to reports, the issue has resulted in limited track time for Alonso. The team has opted to change the engine, with Alonso expected to be back on track to “attack” once the new unit is installed. This setback underscores the complexity of the new power units and the challenges teams face in adapting to the sweeping technical changes for 2026.
Six Days of Crucial Testing
This year’s preseason testing schedule has been expanded to six days, a move welcomed by teams eager to maximize track time with their radically redesigned cars. With no components carried over from the previous season, teams are essentially starting from scratch, relying heavily on simulation data but recognizing the irreplaceable value of real-world testing. The Bahrain International Circuit provides a representative environment for evaluating car performance and gathering crucial data ahead of the season opener in Australia.
The expanded testing schedule is particularly important given the magnitude of the 2026 technical overhaul. The new regulations encompass both chassis and power unit designs, requiring teams to develop and refine entirely new systems. This presents a significant engineering challenge, and the six days of testing are intended to provide sufficient opportunity to identify and address any issues before the competitive season begins.
What to Expect from the Testing Regime
Teams are utilizing the testing period to gather data on various aspects of car performance, including aerodynamics, tire behavior, and power unit characteristics. They are also working to optimize energy management strategies and refine driver feedback. The testing program involves a combination of long-run simulations, performance runs, and component testing.
The first test commenced on , following recent car launches by Aston Martin and McLaren in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, respectively. The second test is scheduled to begin on . Each day of testing runs from 10:00 to 19:00 local time, with a one-hour break for lunch.
Sainz and Alonso in Focus
The performance of Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso is particularly under scrutiny during these tests. Sainz, now with Aston Martin, is adapting to a new team and car, while Alonso is navigating the challenges posed by the new regulations and the aforementioned engine issue. Reports indicate that both drivers are actively involved in providing feedback to their respective engineering teams, contributing to the ongoing development process.
The initial days of testing have provided a glimpse into the competitive landscape, but it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions. The teams will continue to analyze data, refine their setups, and address any technical issues as they prepare for the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The expanded testing schedule offers a valuable opportunity to ensure that all teams are as prepared as possible for the challenges that lie ahead.
