Bahrain F1 Pre-Season Test: Week 2 Schedule and Driver Lineups

The final three days of pre-season testing begin in Bahrain on Wednesday, marking the last chance for teams to refine their 2026 cars and for the true competitive order to emerge before the season opener in Melbourne. With full television coverage, this week shifts from private experimentation to a public dress rehearsal where performance, not just reliability, becomes the primary focus.

Why it matters:

Pre-season testing is a controlled illusion, but the second week often reveals the first genuine clues about pace and potential. Upgrades are bolted on, lap times gain context, and teams begin their final simulations for the first race. For drivers and engineers, it's the last low-pressure environment to solve problems; for fans and rivals, it's the first real look at who might have a head start in the new championship fight.

The details:

• Schedule & Broadcast: The test runs from February 18-20. Unlike the first test, this session will have comprehensive live TV coverage. In the UK, Sky Sports F1 will broadcast morning sessions (06:50-11:05 GMT) and afternoon sessions (11:55-16:10 GMT) each day, with a dedicated "Testing Wrap" show in the evening. F1 TV will provide global live coverage.
• The Shift in Focus: The objective moves from initial shakedowns and data collection to performance runs, race simulations, and understanding the car's limits. The secrecy of week one gives way to more representative running.
• Provisional Driver Lineups: Teams will split running between their race drivers and reserve drivers. Key lineups include:
  • McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will share all three days, swapping between morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) sessions.
  • Mercedes & Red Bull: Both teams have listed TBA for all sessions, indicating they will confirm their run plans daily, likely splitting time between their star pairings.
  • Ferrari, Williams, Audi: Similar to Mercedes and Red Bull, these teams have yet to publicly confirm their daily driver schedules.
  • Racing Bulls: Will field reserve driver Liam Lawson and junior talent Arvid Lindblad across the three days.
  • Aston Martin: Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso will each get a full day in the car, sharing the third day.
  • Haas: Race drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman will split each day's running.
  • Alpine: Pierre Gasly and rookie Franco Colapinto will share duties, with Colapinto getting a full day on Thursday.
  • Cadillac: Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will alternate daily driving duties.

What's next:

The clock effectively starts now. Every lap time, long run, and team radio snippet will be scrutinized to build the narrative for Melbourne. While sandbagging—hiding true performance—is a classic testing tactic, consistent patterns are hard to disguise. By Friday evening, the paddock will have its first, albeit incomplete, picture of the 2026 pecking order, setting the stage for the opening round in Australia on March 8.