Key takeaways from F1's first 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain

The first official pre-season test for Formula 1's new 2026 regulations in Bahrain revealed a competitive top order, significant technical challenges, and one team in clear distress. While Red Bull's new power unit impressed, Mercedes and Ferrari traded blows at the front, and Aston Martin faced a nightmare start, casting a shadow over its ambitious project.

Why it matters:

This test provided the first real-world glimpse of the pecking order under radically new technical and power unit regulations. The performances and problems seen in Bahrain set the initial narrative for the season, highlight which development paths are working, and underscore critical safety concerns that must be addressed before the racing begins.

The Details:

• A Cautious Top Fight: No top team wanted the 'favourite' label. Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari took turns topping the timesheets while each pointed to rivals as the true pace-setters. Mercedes rivals suspect it is hiding straight-line speed to avoid late rule changes targeting its engine.
• Red Bull's Engine Reality Check: Red Bull Powertrains' first in-house F1 engine delivered a "reality check," earning praise for reliability and feared for its performance. Mercedes claims the RBPT unit has "unmatchable charging capabilities," making it a second quicker on straights.
• A Clear Team in Trouble: Aston Martin's test was a disaster. The AMR26 was unreliable, looked awkward on track, and was reportedly seconds off the pace—a stark contrast to the expectations for a team with Adrian Newey, a works Honda engine, and Fernando Alonso.
• A Safety 'Recipe for Disaster': The 2026 start procedure, requiring drivers to rev engines for ~10 seconds to spool the turbo without overcharging the battery, was labelled a "recipe for disaster" by Oscar Piastri. Inconsistencies in practice have led to loud calls for a rule change before the season opener.
• Midfield Standouts and Struggles: Haas emerged as a solid, reliable midfield runner by default, completing the fourth-most laps. Williams recovered from missing the Barcelona test to run the most distance but questions remain over its ultimate pace. Newcomer Cadillac had a respectable, trouble-free debut.

What's next:

The data from Bahrain will trigger a frantic development push before the final test. All eyes will be on the F1 Commission to address the start procedure safety concerns. For teams like Aston Martin and Williams, the next test is critical to solve fundamental issues, while the top teams will continue their game of cat and mouse, with true pace likely remaining hidden until qualifying in Melbourne.