Bahrain F1 Testing Ends: Mercedes Engine Rule Confirmed for 2026 Season Start

Mercedes can use their 2026 engines until the summer break, the FIA confirmed. This is a key decision before the F1 season starts.
By Newsroom | Formula 1, Bahrain |

Formula 1's pre-season testing in Bahrain has concluded, offering teams a final chance to fine-tune their new cars before the season officially begins. Drivers experienced various track conditions, with some pushing limits that led to brief interruptions. A key development revealed during this period concerns Mercedes' ability to use their 2026 engines through to the summer break, a decision confirmed by the FIA.

F1 LIVE: Bahrain pre-season testing as Mercedes learn fate from punishment - 1

The testing sessions provided an early glimpse into team performance and driver lineups. Several drivers rotated through morning and afternoon slots, offering a broad spectrum of feedback. Notable appearances included Kimi Antonelli for Mercedes, Oscar Piastri for McLaren, and Charles Leclerc for Ferrari. The sessions also saw innovations, such as Ferrari's unique rear wing design, observed during a test day.

F1 LIVE: Bahrain pre-season testing as Mercedes learn fate from punishment - 2

Key Testing Activities and Driver Lineups

Bahrain hosted two distinct pre-season testing phases in February 2026. The second and final test occurred from Wednesday, February 18th to Friday, February 20th. Teams utilized these days to gather data and assess car performance.

Read More: Lando Norris confirms he is single during Bahrain F1 testing in February 2026 to focus on racing

F1 LIVE: Bahrain pre-season testing as Mercedes learn fate from punishment - 3

  • Driver Rotations: Teams often split driving duties. For instance, Mercedes had Kimi Antonelli and George Russell driving on different sessions. McLaren utilized Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Red Bull allocated both sessions to Isack Hadjar on one day, while Max Verstappen drove on another.

  • Session Highlights: Day 1 of the second test saw George Russell of Mercedes set the fastest time, followed closely by Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc. This day also featured a spin from Lance Stroll of Aston Martin, which briefly halted proceedings.

  • Long Runs and Tyre Strategies: Teams engaged in extended runs to test endurance and different tyre compounds. Reports indicate Oscar Piastri on C2 mediums, Andrea Kimi Antonelli on hard tyres, and Lewis Hamilton (driving for Ferrari) on his race run, all conducting similar long-stint tests.

Mercedes' Engine Status Clarified

A significant announcement impacting Mercedes was the FIA's confirmation regarding their engine usage.

F1 LIVE: Bahrain pre-season testing as Mercedes learn fate from punishment - 4

  • The FIA has confirmed that Mercedes will be permitted to use their 2026 engines until at least the summer break.

  • This decision appears to have been communicated during the pre-season testing period.

Driver Performances and Observations

Across the testing days, several drivers posted competitive times, while others focused on different aspects of car development.

  • Top Times: On one of the final days, Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) recorded the fastest time with 1:32.803, closely followed by Oscar Piastri (McLaren) at 1:32.861. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) also featured prominently with a time of 1:33.162.

  • Ferrari's Innovations: Ferrari showcased a distinct rear wing design during the testing, with Lewis Hamilton driving the car with this new component.

  • Hamilton's Enthusiasm: Reports indicated Lewis Hamilton had rediscovered his enthusiasm for the season ahead, despite the team's need to "work to improve." He finished one session sixth fastest in his Ferrari.

  • Track Incidents: Lance Stroll's spin that led to red flags was one of the few notable interruptions during the sessions.

Team Lineups and Driver Assignments

The driver assignments for the testing sessions varied across teams and days, giving multiple drivers track time.

TeamMorning DriverAfternoon Driver
McLarenOscar PiastriLando Norris
MercedesKimi AntonelliGeorge Russell
Red BullIsack HadjarMax Verstappen
FerrariCharles LeclercCharles Leclerc
WilliamsCarlos SainzCarlos Sainz
Racing BullsArvid LindbladArvid Lindblad
Aston MartinLance StrollLance Stroll
HaasEsteban OconOllie Bearman
AudiNico HulkenbergGabriel Bortoleto
AlpinePierre GaslyPierre Gasly
CadillacSergio PerezValtteri Bottas

Note: Some drivers, like those for Ferrari and Williams, are listed for both sessions on certain days.

Expert Commentary and Team Sentiment

While official team statements were not extensively detailed in the provided data, indirect commentary from drivers offers insight.

  • Lewis Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, remarked that the team "definitely have some work to do to improve." He also noted the difficulty in assessing performance due to varying fuel loads, advising to "take everything with a pinch of salt."

  • Despite the challenges, Hamilton expressed a renewed sense of enthusiasm for the upcoming season.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Bahrain pre-season testing served as a vital final preparatory phase for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Teams gathered critical data, tested new car components, and confirmed driver strategies. The clarification of Mercedes' engine usage for the initial part of the season provides a specific operational detail for the team. Performances observed, including the fastest laps and team-focused runs, offer preliminary indicators of competitive order, though actual race conditions will be the ultimate determinant. The intensity of the testing and the range of driver feedback suggest a competitive season ahead.

Read More: Formula 1 Drivers Worry About 2026 Car Rules, CEO Asks for Calm

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did the F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain finish in 2026?
The final day of Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain was Friday, February 20th, 2026. Teams used these days to test their new cars and prepare for the upcoming season.
Q: What did the FIA confirm about Mercedes' engines for the 2026 season?
The FIA confirmed that Mercedes is allowed to use their 2026 engines until at least the summer break of the 2026 Formula 1 season. This decision was made known during the testing period.
Q: Which drivers set the fastest times during the Bahrain pre-season testing?
During the testing, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes recorded the fastest time with 1:32.803. Oscar Piastri from McLaren was close behind at 1:32.861, and Max Verstappen of Red Bull also showed good pace with 1:33.162.
Q: Did any notable incidents happen during the Bahrain F1 testing?
Yes, Lance Stroll of Aston Martin had a spin during one of the testing days, which caused a brief stop to the session. Otherwise, the testing ran smoothly for most teams.
Q: What did Lewis Hamilton say about Ferrari's performance after testing?
Lewis Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, mentioned that the team has 'work to do to improve' their car. He also advised taking performance results with caution due to different fuel levels during testing.