Who set the fastest time at the F1 Bahrain test?

Max Verstappen set the fastest time on the opening morning of the first F1 Bahrain test.

What is significant about the F1 rules this year?

This year features the biggest rules reset in F1 history, with new regulations for chassis, power-units, tires, and fuel.

Which teams showed strong early performance at the Bahrain test?

Max Verstappen for Red Bull and Oscar Piastri for McLaren showed strong early performance, with George Russell of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari also in the top positions.

Home / Sports / Verstappen Sets Bahrain Test Pace Amidst F1 Rule Shake-up

Verstappen Sets Bahrain Test Pace Amidst F1 Rule Shake-up

11 Feb

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Summary

Max Verstappen led the first F1 Bahrain test session.
New F1 regulations are in effect for the 2026 season.
Several teams, including Aston Martin, struggled in early practice.

Verstappen Sets Bahrain Test Pace Amidst F1 Rule Shake-up

Red Bull's Max Verstappen topped the timesheets during the first morning session of the initial Formula 1 pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit. This marks the beginning of six days of testing spread over two weeks.

The test provides teams with a vital opportunity to gather data on their new cars ahead of the championship opener next month. The competitive landscape is particularly unpredictable this year due to the most significant regulatory overhaul in Formula 1's history, introducing new rules for chassis, power units, tires, and fuel.

Verstappen's quickest lap was achieved on medium compound tires, outpacing McLaren's Oscar Piastri by 0.169 seconds, who ran on soft tires. However, headline times in testing are historically unreliable indicators of true form, especially with the current extensive rule changes.