How to watch F1 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain including full schedule and live TV times

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After private testing in Barcelona, Formula 1’s 2026 pre-season programme continues in Bahrain with the first week of two three-day tests

It will mark the first opportunity this year for fans to see all 11 teams on track, following the Barcelona shakedown, which was held behind closed doors.

While the initial private session was restricted to team personnel only, F1 Oversteer learned several key lessons from the running, including which teams could emerge as early contenders heading into the new season.

Williams were the only team to miss the Barcelona shakedown after failing to pass mandatory crash tests, which has placed added scrutiny on whether the Grove-based outfit will begin on the back foot.

Lewis Hamilton led the way in Barcelona but the gaps were tight!

Who impressed you most in the shakedown? ⬇️

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When is the 2026 F1 Bahrain testing on?

The first Bahrain test is scheduled for 11-13 February, with the final pre-season running taking place a week later from 18-20 February.

Each of the six days will run from 10am to 7pm track time, with an unofficial lunch break between 2pm and 3pm, providing a brief pause in on-track action.

These sessions represent the final opportunity for all 11 teams to log valuable mileage before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix between 6-8 March.

How to watch the 2026 F1 Bahrain testing

Bahrain testing will mark the first time fans and media see the 2026 regulation cars on track, following the private shakedown in Barcelona at the end of January.

During the initial running in Spain, Formula 1 offered fans a limited glimpse of the action, sharing daily updates on social media that included driver interviews and short clips of the cars around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Alongside F1’s own coverage, Sky Sports F1 also provided UK-based viewers with daily round-ups of the on-track activity.

Coverage in Bahrain will initially be more restricted. During the first week of testing, only the final hour of running will be broadcast live from 3pm GMT on Sky Sports F1.

Full live coverage will begin during the second week, with Sky Sports broadcasts running from 6:50am to 11am GMT, ahead of the unofficial lunch break, before resuming at 11:55am and continuing until just after 4pm.

This means fans who can access Sky Sports will be able to watch the entirety of the on-track action during the final test.

In Australia, all Bahrain testing coverage will be shown live on Foxtel and Kayo between 5:50pm and 10:55pm AEDT.

American audiences will be able to watch pre-season testing via Apple TV, although the streaming platform, which gained broadcasting rights in the US ahead of 2026, is yet to confirm what will be available for fans.

Fans will also be able to attend the Bahrain tests in person, with tickets available via the Bahrain International Circuit’s website. However, the opening day of both test weeks will take place behind closed doors, with no spectators permitted in the grandstands.

Despite the limited live TV coverage during the first week, live timing data will be available throughout via Formula 1’s website. Subscriptions cost £19.99 per year or £2.29 per month, allowing fans to follow key session data, even without the live broadcast coverage.

Where is the 2026 F1 Bahrain testing taking place?

The 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit, which has hosted the event since 2021.

The Sakhir-based venue was previously selected due to its reliable weather conditions and consistently stable temperatures. The circuit features several long straights and a mix of 15 slow, medium and high-speed corners.

It is also renowned for its abrasive, high-grip surface, making it the ideal environment to evaluate the 2026 regulation changes, including the introduction of active aerodynamics and 50/50 engines.

Measuring 5.412km (3.363 miles), the track was designed by renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke, who has also worked on the Marina Bay Circuit and the Yas Marina Circuit.