Who’s really fastest in 2026? F1’s new rules are confusing the pecking order — and the drivers
Formula 1’s new era was always going to bring questions, but its first week of serious running has raised more than most. With one more preseason test in Bahrain still to come, ESPN makes sense of a fascinating three days in Sakhir.
F1 testing: Fastest times, most laps from preseason in Bahrain and Barcelona
Formula 1 2026 is underway — under a cloud of secrecy with the initial preseason test in Barcelona taking place behind closed doors. Here are the fastest laps so far.
F1 testing: Mercedes set the pace, Lewis Hamilton causes red flag to end final day – as it happened
Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari all appear evenly matched after a fascinating three days of preseason testing, and you can recap it all with ESPN below.
Verstappen slams F1 cars: ‘Formula E on steroids’
Four-time champion Max Verstappen has said cars in Formula 1’s new generation are not fun to drive, comparing them to the all-electric series Formula E, but “on steroids.”
Hour 2: Amanda Christovich, Front Office Sports
Amanda Christovich joins the show to discuss the Trinidad Chambliss ruling and what it means for college sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hour 4: Chambliss Countdown
Paul keeps you up to date with Trinidad Chambliss’ eligibility hearing. PLUS… your calls! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hour 3: Reed Sheppard, Rockets Guard
Reed Sheppard, Rockets Guard joins the show. PLUS, your calls! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hour 2: David Bazzel & Molly Harrell, Broyles Award
David Bazzel & Molly Harrell, Broyles Award joins the show. PLUS, your calls! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hour 1: Jay Johnson, LSU Baseball Head Coach
Jay Johnson, LSU Baseball Head Coach joins the show. Ross Dellenger, Yahoo Sports joins the show. PLUS, your calls! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hour 4: After Hours
Paul looks into some caller complaints. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
