P1racenews AI automatic summary:
RacingNews365 breaks down the key storylines from the first Bahrain 2026 pre-season test.
The first official F1 pre-season test in Bahrain has concluded, with 3,726 laps completed by 22 drivers, setting the stage for the upcoming season. The major storylines emerging from the test include technical controversies surrounding Mercedes’ engine design and the upcoming vote on compression ratio measurement. Mercedes and Red Bull are engaged in a strategic battle, with Red Bull’s engine performance impressing during testing. Max Verstappen made waves with his outspoken criticism of the new regulations, calling them “anti-racing” and indicating potential dissatisfaction with the sport’s direction. The competition among top teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes remains intense, with each taking a turn at the top of the timesheets during testing. The pre-season test in Sakhir provided a glimpse into the dynamics and challenges awaiting teams and drivers in the 2026 F1 season.
