Day two of the pre-season testing in Bahrain showcased impressive mileage, and while many teams were optimistic about their new 2026 Formula 1 cars, not everyone shared in the excitement…
Red Bull Shines Despite Early Challenges
Red Bull‘s Max Verstappen excelled on Wednesday, completing 136 laps during his full day in the car.
Although his teammate Isack Hadjar faced a delayed start due to a technical issue, the team successfully resolved it just before lunch, allowing Hadjar to finish with a solid 87 laps. He reported feeling confident in the car despite the morning’s interruptions.
As the testing progresses, sources suggest that Red Bull may have adapted well to the new regulations and could set the standard this season. Their first-ever Red Bull Ford Powertrain has shown impressive reliability so far.
Mercedes Faces Another Tough Day
Despite a smooth Shakedown in Barcelona, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff tempered expectations after encountering a suspension issue that curtailed their track time.
An additional power unit issue further limited running; they had to change the engine, resulting in Kimi Antonelli completing only three laps.
Trackside chief Andrew Shovlin acknowledged, “We lost valuable time but managed to find a good setup for George [Russell] by the end. We aim to recover lost time in tomorrow’s session.”
Audi’s Promising F1 Debut
Audi made a strong impression in their first Formula 1 outing. They successfully ran a 2026-spec car, overcoming early teething problems from Barcelona.
The team debuted a significant upgrade in Bahrain, with standout features drawing attention from competitors. Driver Nico Hulkenberg confirmed noticeable improvements over the initial version.
Both Hulkenberg and teammate Gabriel Bortoleto explored various setups and engine configurations, showing promising progress from Barcelona to Bahrain.
Aston Martin’s Challenging Start
Lance Stroll expressed frustration with Aston Martin‘s performance, noting the need for better grip and balance on their new car designed by Adrian Newey.
During Thursday’s session, Fernando Alonso struggled to control the car, reflecting concerns about their performance.
It’s crucial to recognize that Aston Martin is integrating numerous components. With Newey’s design featuring a new Honda power unit and their first independently developed gearbox and suspension, initial hurdles are likely. The team sees this as a long-term project, aiming for competitiveness in the coming years.
