Formula 1: Top teams battle for supremacy in the 2026 Pre-Season Tests.

Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari are dominating the 2026 preseason testing in Bahrain. The top four teams from 2025 are already showcasing their power on the Sakhir circuit, with testing continuing until Friday. The teams are testing the new regulations on hybrid engines, chassis, and aerodynamics ahead of the first Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8.

On the first day, George Russell (Mercedes) sets the fastest time at 1:33.459, closely followed by Oscar Piastri (McLaren) just ten thousandths behind. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), Lando Norris (McLaren), and Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) round out the top 5. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) ranks sixth, while Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) finishes in seventh place. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) is not participating in the testing. The teams are competing to optimize performance before the start of the season.