F1 2026 testing begins in Bahrain: Key changes ahead of new season

Formula 1’s pre-season preparations officially got underway in Bahrain on Wednesday, marking the start of a crucial testing phase ahead of the 2026 season. On the first morning of running in Bahrain, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen set the benchmark with a fastest lap of 1 minute 35.433 seconds. Over the next two weeks, teams will spend a total of six days on track, with each day offering around eight hours of running time to evaluate their new machinery, reported AP. This year’s testing carries added importance. The 2026 campaign introduces sweeping technical changes that significantly alter the look and feel of the cars. The new machines are shorter, narrower and lighter than before. Much of the overhaul focuses on aerodynamics. Cars now run narrower tyres, along with revised wings and floor designs aimed at improving efficiency and racing dynamics.

Another notable update is the introduction of an “overtake” button. Drivers can activate it when they are within one second of the car ahead. According to Formula 1, this system gives drivers access to extra electrical energy, potentially creating more overtaking opportunities on track. Meanwhile, the previously known maximum power button has been rebranded as the “Boost” button. Power units have also undergone a major transformation. The engines now operate on an approximately 50-50 split between petrol and electric power. Formula 1 says this move makes the technology “more road relevant” and aligns the sport more closely with modern automotive trends. Reliability will be under close scrutiny during testing, as teams aim to iron out early issues before the season-opening race in Australia next month.