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.”
Verstappen accuses Wolff of F1 ‘diversion tactics’
Max Verstappen has accused Toto Wolff of “diversion tactics” after the Mercedes team boss talked up the performance of Red Bull’s new car and power unit during this week’s preseason test in Bahrain.
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.”
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.
Mercedes set the pace on day 3 of F1 Bahrain test
Kimi Antonelli went fastest on the final day of Bahrain’s first preseason F1 test as Mercedes gave a teasing glimpse at the kind of pace many expected to see from them all week.
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.
Ferrari’s Leclerc quickest on day 2 of F1 testing
Charles Leclerc topped the second day of Formula 1’s Bahrain preseason test as the new competitive order continued to be shrouded in mystery ahead of the coming year.
Norris on Max complaints: ‘Can retire’ if he wants
Reigning champion Lando Norris has countered Max Verstappen’s criticism of Formula 1’s new regulations, saying there is “nothing to complain about” from a driver’s perspective and his 2025 title rival can quit the sport if he does not like the new cars.
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,
F1 testing: Mercedes set the pace, Lewis Hamilton causes red fag 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.
