Russell fastest for Merc but Ferrari tease pace
George Russell ensured Mercedes remained at the top of the timesheets as the final week of preseason testing got underway in Bahrain on Wednesday.
F1 testing: George Russell fastest but McLaren impress, Aston Martin hit more issues – Day 1 as it happened
Follow live updates and analysis of the second week of Formula 1’s preseason test in Bahrain as the 2026 cars take to the track.
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.
FE boss to Max after F1 jibe: Come drive our cars
Max Verstappen has been given an open invitation to test Formula E machinery following his recent comparison between the series’ all-electric cars and F1’s new generation.
Russell: Don’t look at Merc, Red Bull gap is ‘scary’
George Russell is adamant that Red Bull hold an early advantage in Formula 1 2026, claiming their engine advantage is “scary.”
Jamaica sledder: F1’s Hamilton would shine on ice
Jamaican sprinter-turned-bobsledder Tyquendo Tracey has said Lewis Hamilton would do “very well” if he swapped Formula 1 tracks for the ice of the Winter Olympics.
F1 testing: When and how to watch final three days live, full Bahrain preseason schedule and times
After a behind-closed-doors shakedown in Barcelona, Formula 1’s 2026 season build-up moves into full view as teams head to Bahrain,
Explained: F1’s 24-race future from 2026 onwards
As Formula 1 enters a new period of regulations in 2026 with ever-growing popularity and new race locations floated, this is how the calendar stacks up over the next few years.
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.
