F1 confirms 2027 pre-season test dates at Bahrain

F1 has confirmed the sole 2027 pre-season test will take place at Bahrain's Sakhir International Circuit from February 24-27, setting the stage for a record-breaking 24-race season.

Why it matters:

The four-day test is the only chance for teams to evaluate their new machinery before the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14. With an unprecedented 10 Sprint events on the 2027 calendar, including the opener and a first-ever Sprint at Monaco, getting the setup right from day one will be critical.

The details:

• The test moves from Barcelona to Bahrain, where stable conditions have made it the preferred venue since 2022.
• Teams will head to Sakhir immediately after the Milan season launch scheduled for February 18-20.
• Bahrain will host both the season opener and the final round in Abu Dhabi, with the latter also featuring a Sprint.

What's next:

There remains a chance the test and season opener could be relocated due to ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has stated a decision on Bahrain's status must be made by the end of 2026.