The fastest lap times from the first testing week in Bahrain ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign have been revealed. Following a private test held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last month, F1 teams returned to the track this week at the Bahrain International Circuit.

This is the live blog for Day 3 of the winter test in Bahrain on Friday, 13 February 2026. Read everything about what happened on and around the track, with GPblog reporter Nicole Mulder present on site.

McLaren trumped Red Bull in terms of pace on the first day of running, but Max Verstappen completed more laps than any other driver

Max Verstappen was reportedly using a new trick during Formula 1's Bahrain test in order to get on top of the new regulations. This week, the first official testing session ahead of the 2026 F1 season began at the Bahrain International Circuit.

The first day of testing in Bahrain made one thing clear: despite all the expectations around Mercedes and the new 2026 regulations, more and more points to the grid once again having to measure themselves against Max Verstappen.

Why are all four leading F1 teams are talking up their rivals' chances for F1 2026? It's all part of the sport's early mind games

Max Verstappen says it is “no fun” to drive Formula 1’s new cars and sweeping changes for 2026 mean it no longer feels like F1

Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time during the first Bahrain pre-season test of February. Despite Toto Wolff and George Russell handing the 'benchmark' tag to Red Bull Racing, looking at these last three days,

F1 overhauled its car designs for the 2026 campaign, with the new engines placing a greater emphasis on energy management and usage.

Max Verstappen has described F1 ’s new set of regulations as “anti-racing”, claiming the energy management aspect of the 2026 rules makes it feel like “ Formula E on steroids.” Arguably the biggest rules change in F1’s 76-year history,