Get ready for an exciting week of pre-season testing in Bahrain, F1 fans! The race to perfection is on, and we're here to bring you all the action and insights.
The Science of Speed: Flow-Vis Paint
One of the coolest things about pre-season testing is the use of flow-vis paint. It's like a secret weapon for teams, helping them understand the airflow around their cars. Charles Leclerc's Ferrari is a prime example, with its bright green paint job. This old-school science provides crucial data, allowing teams to tweak and optimize their cars for maximum performance.
Where's Perez? The Suspense Builds
Sergio Perez, patiently waiting in the Cadillac garage, is dealing with a front-right suspension issue. The engineers are hard at work, and we can't wait to see him hit the track soon. It's a reminder of the intricate challenges teams face during testing.
Leclerc's Speed and Olympic Dreams
Charles Leclerc is flying around the circuit in his Ferrari. Did you know he's got his eye on the Winter Olympics? He mentioned in an interview that he'd love to compete in Bobsleigh. It's a fun thought, imagining these F1 drivers taking on a new challenge on the ice. Pierre Gasly had a momentary lock-up, but he quickly recovered and kept going.
Engineering Focus: Aston Martin and Red Bull
There's a lot of activity in the Aston Martin and Red Bull garages. Engineers are hard at work, and we get a glimpse of Isack Hadjar, Red Bull's new driver, posing for the team photographer. It's an exciting time for these teams as they prepare for the new season.
Lap Leaders: Antonelli and Norris
Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris are leading the way with eight and six laps completed, respectively. Esteban Ocon is right behind them with six laps. Nico Hulkenberg and Ferando Alonso have also made their mark with two laps each.
Cadillac's Quiet Start
While ten cars are out on the track, we're keeping an eye out for the eleventh team, Cadillac. Their engineers are busy working on their car, with Sergio Perez watching on. We're sure they'll join the action soon enough. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly's Alpine has set the fastest lap time so far, an impressive 1:36.470.
Aston Martin's Pre-Season Challenges
Andrew Benson, BBC F1 correspondent, reports that Aston Martin is facing some challenges. They've made some behind-the-scenes changes to their engineering group to address their lack of pace. Chief Engineer Chris Cronin will take on additional responsibilities as Senior Race Engineer, becoming the key voice on the radio for lead driver Fernando Alonso. It's a strategic move to meet the demands of the new regulations.
Rookie Spotlight: Arvid Lindblad
Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad is out on the track, and he's already clocked two laps. He had a momentary lock-up at the end of the main straight but quickly recovered. It's an exciting start for the young Brit.
Red Bull's Full-Day Test
Isack Hadjar is spending the full day in the Red Bull, with lots of aero rakes attached to his car. Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli have both completed five laps so far. Ferando Alonso has joined the session, and we're eager to see how the Aston Martin performs.
The First Cars on Track
The morning session has begun with a sunny Bahrain backdrop. Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes and Lando Norris' new shiny Papaya car are both out on the track, with aero rakes attached. It's a beautiful sight to see these cars in action.
Day One Schedule
Morning Session:
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Alex Albon (Williams)
- Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
- Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- Sergio Perez (Cadillac)
Afternoon Session:
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
- Carlos Sainz (Williams)
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
- Oliver Bearman (Haas)
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
- Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)
All Day:
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
Welcome to Week Two
Hello everyone! We're thrilled to be back for week two of pre-season testing. With just three days left before the season starts, the teams are working hard to get their 2026 cars race-ready. We'll be with you throughout the morning and afternoon sessions, bringing you all the latest updates. Are you ready to dive into the action? Who's excited to see their favorite drivers on the circuit this morning?
