Day 1 Highlights: 2026 Bahrain Pre-Season Test

The wait is finally over! The 2026 Formula 1 season has officially kicked off with the first day of pre-season testing in Bahrain. All 11 teams took to the track to gather crucial data and test their brand-new challengers under the desert sun.

Teams focused heavily on aerodynamic correlation, reliability checks, and understanding the new tire compounds. While lap times during testing are historically not fully representative of a car's ultimate pace, it was refreshing to see the cars back on the tarmac and hear the engines roar once again.

Catch all the best moments, track actions, and key technical innovations spotted during the opening day in the highlight video below: