P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The first three public days of F1 testing for 2026 laid bare some stark differences between the new cars. Edd Straw and Scott Mitchell-Malm watched studiously to bring you in-depth trackside analysis
During three days of testing in Bahrain, Edd Straw and Scott Mitchell-Malm closely observed the Formula 1 2026 cars trackside, providing an early assessment of each team’s performance.
The Ferrari showed signs of instability, especially with Lewis Hamilton at the wheel, leading to moments of rear sliding and lingering rear instability through certain corners.
The Audi struggled under braking, particularly in low-speed corners, impacting both downshifting and power delivery on exit, ultimately placing it towards the rear of the midfield pack.
On the other hand, the Red Bull displayed impressive performance with smooth gear changes and overall a well-prepared package, although moments of rear instability were evident during entry phases for both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar.
The Alpine appeared slightly behind the leading cars in terms of grip, with Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto showing consistent performance throughout the testing sessions.
