Max Verstappen is the only driver utilising an ‘aggressive’ cornering tactic at the Bahrain test

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Max Verstappen proved how he can make a difference in F1’s new era while Red Bull’s new engine took centre stage on the first day of pre-season testing in 2026 in Bahrain.

The F1 paddock has regrouped in Bahrain following the shakedown in Barcelona, where Red Bull stunned many of their rivals with the instant reliability of their new power unit. Red Bull have entered a new chapter in their history this season by becoming an engine constructor.

Former team boss Christian Horner established Red Bull Powertrains in the wake of Honda’s initial decision to withdraw from F1, prior to the Japanese brand agreeing an exclusive deal with Aston Martin after being convinced to stick around because of the 2026 F1 regulations.

The new engine rules set the foundations for the new regulations, as F1 incorporated active aero and new chassis rules due to the increase in electrical power. Engines now have a near 50/50 split between electrical and combustion power – up from the previous split of 20/80.

Day 1 in Bahrain and it’s Lando Norris on top! ⏱️

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Max Verstappen was the only driver using ‘aggressive’ downshifts on day one of the 2026 Bahrain test

The energy deployment that Verstappen showed with the first Red Bull RBPT DM01 engine, built in partnership with Ford, on day one in Bahrain stunned Mercedes and Williams chiefs Toto Wolff and James Vowles. Horner also secured Ford’s help while he was still at Red Bull.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about F1’s 2026 engine and aero regulations

Wolff fears Red Bull’s engine is a second per lap stronger than Mercedes’, while Vowles puts their advantage nearer six-tenths of a second. But Verstappen also had a big role in why the energy deployment that Red Bull’s engine can manage appeared to be so strong on day one.

According to SPEEDWEEK, it was audibly evident from trackside in Bahrain on Wednesday that Verstappen was taking the corners in a lower gear than any of his rival drivers. The four-time F1 champion kept his engine revs a lot higher so his engine could recover more energy.

Additionally, Verstappen was far more ‘aggressive’ than his rival drivers when downshifting through his gearbox under braking into each corner. While Verstappen’s early gear changes caused the rear of his Red Bull RB22 to become ‘more nervous’, he could easily deal with it.

Max Verstappen was 10mph faster than Lando Norris before braking for Bahrain’s Turn 1

Bahrain pre-season day 1 done 💪

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Verstappen’s unique cornering style on the opening day of F1’s first official 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain ensured he could use more of the energy store from his Red Bull-Ford engine on the straights, which left Mercedes and Williams bosses Wolff and Vowles rather alarmed.

It was also clear from Verstappen’s data how effective his cornering style combined with Red Bull’s new engine proved to be as a partnership in Bahrain. Reports suggest that Verstappen penned a top speed of 338kph (210mph) on Bahrain’s pit straight on the first day of testing.

In contrast, it is said that McLaren ace Lando Norris – who beat Verstappen’s 1:34.798 to set the fastest lap on day one with a 1:34.559 – hit a top speed of 327kph (203mph). Norris also braked for Turn 1 at 320kph (198mph), while Verstappen braked for T1 at 335kph (208mph).