Bahrain International Circuit is buzzing with activity as Formula 1 teams continue their pre-season preparations, but a sense of unease is growing, particularly surrounding the new regulations slated for the 2026 season. While on-track running continues, the focus is increasingly shifting to concerns voiced by drivers like Max Verstappen, who has openly criticized the upcoming changes.
Today, , saw another day of intensive testing, with teams logging significant mileage as they attempt to dial in their new machines. Alpine led the lap count with 97 laps completed by Pierre Gasly. Haas, with Oliver Bearman at the wheel, followed closely behind with 92 laps. McLaren’s Lando Norris managed a strong 88 laps, while Racing Bulls saw contributions from both Lawson (50 laps) and Lindblad (37 laps) for a combined 87. Williams completed 83 laps, split between Alex Albon (62) and Carlos Sainz (21). Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc managed 80 laps, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso 77, Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg 47 and Bortoleto 25, Cadillac’s Perez 42 and Bottas 22, and Red Bull’s Hadjar completed 41 laps. Bringing up the rear, Mercedes struggled to get track time, with Antonelli managing only 3 laps and Russell 16, for a total of 19.
The disparity in lap counts is a key indicator of early reliability concerns. Alpine and Haas appear to be enjoying a smoother start to testing, allowing them to maximize valuable track time. Conversely, Mercedes’ limited running raises questions about their preparation and the integration of new components. Red Bull’s low lap count is also notable, especially given their dominance in recent seasons. The team’s struggles could be linked to the significant changes implemented over the winter, or potentially to the concerns voiced by Verstappen regarding the new regulations.
Verstappen’s criticism, highlighted in reports from the test, centers around the fundamental driving experience offered by the 2026 cars. He described the feeling as not very Formula 1-like
, comparing it unfavorably to Formula E on steroids
. This suggests a significant shift in the characteristics of the cars, potentially prioritizing energy management and efficiency over traditional racing lines and driver skill. While the specifics of Verstappen’s complaints remain somewhat vague, his strong words underscore a growing dissatisfaction among drivers with the direction of the sport.
The new regulations, designed to promote closer racing and sustainability, involve a complete overhaul of the power unit and aerodynamic package. The shift to sustainable fuels and increased electrical power is intended to reduce the sport’s carbon footprint and attract a new generation of fans. However, if the changes compromise the core elements of Formula 1 – speed, precision, and driver involvement – they risk alienating the existing fanbase and diminishing the sport’s appeal.
While lap times from pre-season testing are notoriously unreliable as a predictor of race performance, they do offer a preliminary glimpse into the competitive landscape. Charles Leclerc set the fastest time on day two, but the focus remains firmly on reliability and data collection. Teams are prioritizing understanding their cars and identifying areas for improvement rather than chasing outright speed. The sheer volume of data generated during these tests will be crucial in shaping the development direction for the early races of the season.
The contrast between Ferrari’s strong showing in testing last year and their eventual performance in the 2024 season serves as a cautionary tale. While Leclerc’s fastest lap is encouraging for the Scuderia, it’s essential to remember that pre-season form doesn’t always translate to race-day success. The true test will come when the teams arrive in Australia for the season opener on .
The limited running for several teams, particularly Mercedes and Red Bull, is a cause for concern. The ability to accumulate mileage and gather data is paramount during pre-season testing. Any significant delays or reliability issues could put those teams at a disadvantage when the season begins. The pressure is now on for their engineers to diagnose and resolve the underlying problems before the next test session.
Looking ahead, the final test session in Bahrain, scheduled from to , will be critical. Teams will use this opportunity to validate their findings, refine their setups, and prepare for the rigors of a 24-race season. The outcome of this final test could well determine the pecking order for the opening rounds of the championship.
The growing discontent surrounding the 2026 regulations adds another layer of complexity to the pre-season narrative. Verstappen’s outspoken criticism is likely to resonate with other drivers, and it remains to be seen whether the FIA will address their concerns before the new season begins. The future of Formula 1 hangs in the balance, as the sport navigates a period of significant change and uncertainty.
