Testing in Bahrain begins: Where to watch F1 pre-season testing?
Pre-season testing in Bahrain has begun in preparation for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The testing in Bahrain comes after a private shakedown in Barcelona in January, as well as after all 11 teams have unveiled their 2026 liveries.
Everything you need to know about the first week of testing
There are two three-day runnings ahead of the first race of the 2026 F1 season.
The first pre-season testing is taking place at the Bahrain International Circuit from Wednesday, February 11, to Friday, February 13.
On each day, testing begins at 10am local time, and finishes at 7pm. For UK viewers, that is 7am to 4pm.
Each day is split into two four-hour long sessions with an hour break between them, unofficially for lunch, but also for media activities.
Who is taking part in the first Bahrain testing?
This marks the first time that all teams will be on track at the same time, with the next two weeks giving the earliest indications of what the competition could stand when the 2026 season begins.
For Williams, it will be the first time they run their 2026 machinery, having missed all five days of the private Barcelona shakedown.
Cadillac, F1’s newest entrant, enjoyed a filming day on Monday, February 9, in Bahrain just a few hours after their stellar Super Bowl livery event. This gave them an early advantage to test the Bahrain International Circuit before the rest of the teams.
READ MORE: Cadillac make statement with Super Bowl F1 livery reveal and early Bahrain testing
How to watch pre-season testing?
The first bit of running during the Barcelona shakedown might have been private and closed out to the media and fans, but this time around, the action will be televised.
However, not every bit of testing will be shown open to public viewing. For the first time ever, pre-season testing will only be televised during the last hour of each day’s running - so, 6pm to 7pm local time (3pm to 4pm UK time), while live timings will be available throughout each day.
Sky Sports F1 will be broadcasting the action on February 11, 12 and 13 from 3pm until 4:10 pm.
Sky Sports F1 will also be broadcasting a Testing Wrap programme at 20:00 GMT and Ted's Testing Notebook at 20:30 GMT after each day of testing.
F1TV will also provide coverage.
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