Overview
- After the opening Bahrain sessions ended on Feb. 13, Max Verstappen dismissed the redesigned cars as “Formula E on steroids” and “not very fun” to drive.
- The 2026-spec machines split power 50% electric and 50% thermal with a new boost button and use fully sustainable fuels, pushing racing toward energy management.
- An early pecking order points to Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren in front, with Ferrari logging the most laps and Charles Leclerc topping Thursday times, while Aston Martin endured a troubled week.
- Red Bull’s in-house Ford-powered unit drew praise from Isack Hadjar, who highlighted strong mileage and unexpectedly competitive early performance.
- Parity concerns intensified as Lewis Hamilton urged the FIA to keep teams on equal footing and some rivals alleged a Mercedes engine edge, with a final Bahrain test set for Feb. 18–20 ahead of the March 8 opener in Melbourne.