What's happened
Formula 1 teams are in the midst of testing ahead of the 2026 season, with Mercedes and Ferrari showing mixed results. Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton tested the entire day, while rival teams faced reliability issues. The upcoming Bahrain tests will be crucial for performance and reliability before the season opener in Australia on March 8.
What's behind the headline?
The current testing phase reveals a clear divide in team performance and reliability. Mercedes, despite a smooth Barcelona test, reports setbacks in Bahrain, indicating potential challenges ahead. Ferrari shows promising signs, but reliability issues persist across teams like Mercedes and Red Bull. The new regulations aim to enhance racing and road relevance, but teams must balance performance with durability. The upcoming Bahrain tests will determine which teams are best positioned for the season opener. The focus on reliability and performance suggests that early race results could be unpredictable, with teams still fine-tuning their cars. The emphasis on technological innovation and strategic testing underscores the importance of these sessions for shaping the championship outcome.
What the papers say
AP News reports that Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton tested for the entire day, finishing second, but noted setbacks in Bahrain after a smooth Barcelona test. The Japan Times highlights Max Verstappen's dissatisfaction with the new cars, describing them as 'not very Formula One like,' despite impressive lap counts. AP News also notes Ferrari's encouraging performance, with Leclerc's team showing resilience amid reliability issues, and McLaren's Norris completing the most laps, indicating strong endurance. The contrasting perspectives reveal a testing landscape where reliability and driver satisfaction are key concerns, with teams like Mercedes and Red Bull facing hurdles, while Ferrari and McLaren show promise. The timing of these stories underscores the importance of the upcoming Bahrain tests as a critical juncture before the season's start.
How we got here
The 2026 F1 season introduces significant technical changes, including narrower, lighter cars with new aerodynamics and hybrid engines. Teams are testing these new vehicles over six days to assess reliability and performance, with the first race scheduled in Australia next month. The testing period is vital for adapting to the new regulations and ensuring competitiveness.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Max Emilian Verstappen is a Belgian-Dutch racing driver currently competing in Formula One, under the Dutch flag, with Red Bull Racing.
-
Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a sovereign state in the Persian Gulf. The island nation comprises a small archipelago made up of 40 natural islands and an additional 51 artificial islands, centered around Bahrain Island which makes up arou
-
Oscar Piastri is an Australian racing driver and member of the Alpine Academy. He won the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup, and is currently the reigning FIA Formula 3 champion. As of 2021, he participates in the Formula 2 Championship with Prema Racing.
-
Lando Norris is a British-Belgian racing driver. Currently competing in Formula One, for McLaren, he races under the British flag.