Formula 1 teams are entering the final stages of preparation for the 2026 season, which features radical new technical regulations. Following a private "shakedown" in Barcelona, Mercedes has emerged as the early team to beat, showing impressive mileage and reliability with their new power unit. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Official pre-season testing is scheduled to begin this coming Wednesday, February 11, at the Bahrain International Circuit. All 11 teams, including newcomers Audi and Cadillac, will participate in two three-day tests to finalize their aerodynamic packages and sustainable fuel power splits. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                          The 2026 season marks the biggest rule shake-up in a decade, introducing revised aerodynamics and a 50-50 power split between advanced sustainable fuels and electrical energy. Fans can watch the Bahrain tests live on Sky Sports F1 as teams reveal their true performance for the first time.