Get ready for a thrilling showdown as Formula 1 teams gear up for the final pre-season testing in Bahrain, but here's the twist: this year's regulations have turned the sport upside down, forcing teams to build entirely new cars from scratch. With just three days left to fine-tune their machines before the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, the pressure is on. And this is the part most people miss: the extended testing period this year isn’t just a formality—it’s a necessity due to the massive rule changes in aerodynamics and power units. Last week, teams were already in Bahrain, tackling unexpected issues, but the real drama unfolds this week as they push to unlock their cars' full potential. Is this the moment we’ll see the true pecking order emerge?
From February 18 to 20, the Bahrain International Circuit will buzz with activity, but who’s behind the wheel each day? Below, we break down the driver line-ups for each team, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the action. But here’s where it gets controversial: with Max Verstappen already voicing criticism of the new regulations, is Formula 1 risking its identity in the pursuit of innovation? Join the debate with RacingNews365’s Ian Parkes, Sam Coop, and Nick Golding as they dissect last week’s test and preview this week’s showdown. Prefer watching? Click here for their podcast! (https://youtu.be/Jq-kZIhOa8I)
Here’s the full driver schedule for Week 2 of Bahrain testing:
Team | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
--- | --- | --- | ---
McLaren | Norris [AM] - Piastri [PM] | Norris [AM] - Piastri [PM] | Piastri [AM] - Norris [PM]
Mercedes | Antonelli [AM] - Russell [PM] | Russell [AM] - Antonelli [PM] | Antonelli [AM] - Russell [PM]
Red Bull | Isack Hadjar | Max Verstappen | Hadjar [AM] - Verstappen [PM]
Ferrari | Leclerc [AM] - Hamilton [PM] | TBC | TBC
Williams | Alex Albon [AM] - Carlos Sainz [PM] | Alex Albon | Carlos Sainz
Racing Bulls | Lindblad [AM] - Lawson [PM] | Liam Lawson | Arvid Lindblad
Aston Martin | Stroll [AM] - Alonso [PM] | Fernando Alonso | Lance Stroll
Haas | Ocon [AM] - Bearman [PM] | Bearman [AM] - Ocon [PM] | Ocon [AM] - Bearman [PM]
Audi | Hulkenberg [AM] - Bortoleto [PM] | Bortoleto [AM] - Hulkenberg [PM] | Hulkenberg [AM] - Bortoleto [PM]
Alpine | Gasly [AM] - Colapinto [PM] | Franco Colapinto | Pierre Gasly
Cadillac | Perez [AM] - Bottas [PM] | Bottas [AM] - Perez [PM] | Perez [AM] - Bottas [PM]
Don’t let the season slip by! Download the 2026 F1 calendar directly to your smartphone or PC and stay ahead of every race. (https://racingnews365.com/add-the-2026-f1-calendar-to-your-agenda-with-one-click)
Thought-provoking question: With such radical changes, are we witnessing the evolution of Formula 1 or a potential rift in its traditional identity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
