Photo: Race Pictures

Bahrain F1 pre-season testing timetable confirmed as 2026 campaign looms

11:01, 19 Jan

byTobia Elia

The winter break is now drawing to a close, with the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing fast approaching.

In just one week’s time, the 2026 season will officially spring to life, with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosting the first of three pre-season test sessions before the paddock heads to Bahrain.

In Sakhir, teams will take part in two separate three-day test sessions, approved by the FIA to give outfits the chance to prepare properly for the campaign and gain a deeper understanding of a new-generation car that represents a radical departure from the current ground-effect era.

The first test session, which will run from 11 to 13 February, will get underway at 10:00 local time and conclude at 19:00, meaning each day will run from 07:00 to 16:00 GMT

Photo: Race Pictures

The same schedule will also apply to the third and final official test, set to take place from 18 to 20 February, before the paddock packs up and heads to Melbourne. Below is the full overview of the session times.

2026 Bahrain F1 pre-season testing: Full timetable

Test Day	Bahrain (Local Time)	GMT
Day 1	10:00 – 19:00	07:00 – 16:00
Day 2	10:00 – 19:00	07:00 – 16:00
Day 3	10:00 – 19:00	07:00 – 16:00

Everything set to unfold this week ahead of 2026 F1 pre-season testing

Formula 1 is gearing up for a busy week as the build-up to pre-season testing continues to gather pace.

The winter break is nearing its end, with two teams already having unveiled their new cars after completing the first shakedown runs on track.

Haas are in the spotlight today, with the VF-26 of Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman set to be revealed for the first time, although it marks just one of several key moments scheduled across the week.

Read the full story here.

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