Components 1 returns to the Bahrain Worldwide Circuit for pre-season testing from 11–13 February, marking the primary on-track motion. After months of automobile launches and winter growth, the three-day take a look at affords the primary actual indication of how the grid could also be shaping up.
The pre-season kicks off amid sturdy momentum in Components 1 viewership throughout MENA on TOD, following a sturdy 2025 championship. Race-day motion drove 40% of complete distinctive viewers, with qualifying periods including an extra 24%, displaying constant engagement throughout the weekend. The UAE led viewership at 42%, adopted by Egypt (15.6%), Kuwait (7.5%), Bahrain (7.4%), and Qatar (6.5%). Viewers cut up their viewing virtually evenly between cell (35%) and TV (34%). The Abu Dhabi GP emerged because the most-watched race at 46%, adopted by the Qatar GP (32%).
This 12 months, all eleven groups will debut their 2026 vehicles in public. Followers will probably be watching carefully to see how defending world champion Lando Norris and McLaren fare as they start their title defence, retaining an unchanged driver line-up alongside Oscar Piastri. Mercedes additionally arrives below scrutiny following sturdy early mileage throughout winter operating, whereas Ferrari’s pairing of Charles Leclerc and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton stays one of the crucial carefully adopted storylines because the SF-26 takes to the monitor.
Consideration can even be on Pink Bull and Max Verstappen, because the group adapts to new laws and introduces its personal energy items for 2026, following a late-season resurgence final 12 months.
Past the frontrunners, Bahrain will provide the primary clear view of midfield contenders and rising expertise. Groups reminiscent of Alpine, Aston Martin, Williams, and Sauber wish to make early features, together with F1 debutants Audi and Cadillac. With new technical modifications in play, reminiscent of car dimensions and 18-inch Pirelli tyre fitments, testing will probably be as a lot about adaptation and reliability as outright tempo.
TOD STUDIOS Tracks the Making of F1’s First Arab Rising Star, Isack Hadjar
Timed to coincide with Bahrain testing, TOD STUDIOS is ready to premiere a brand new collection providing uncommon behind-the-scenes entry into the journey of certainly one of Components 1’s most promising rising abilities, Isack Hajdar, the primary Arab to compete in F1. The collection captures the defining moments, pressures, and breakthroughs that form his path to the highest tier of the game.
Additional particulars will probably be introduced by the platform nearer to launch.
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