Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Racing Bulls had their issues at the start of the first Bahrain Formula 1 Test, but it is believed they went ‘under the radar’ during the three days of track action.
The first of two Bahrain F1 Tests has come to an end, and an early understanding of the 2026 Formula 1 grid has been made from the three days of testing.
Of the front runners, it is believed that Ferrari leads the way from Mercedes, with Red Bull in third place, and reigning champions, McLaren, in fourth.
However, the debate for ‘best of the rest’ is more contested with Haas, Alpine, Williams, and Racing Bulls all stating a case to be ranked fifth of the eleven teams.
Despite the results on paper, there has been a strong case made for Racing Bulls, even though Liam Lawson ended the test in 16th and Arvid Lindblad in 20th.
The first pecking order predictions are IN!
What jumps out?
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Racing Bulls are fifth with ‘quite a big gap’ behind McLaren
After the first Bahrain Test, Sky Sports‘ Craig Slater and Ted Kravitz discussed their team rankings, with Kravitz revealing he has been told that Racing Bulls are leading the midfield.
The Sky Sports reporter placed Racing Bulls in fifth place, but revealed there is ‘quite a big gap’ between McLaren, who are in fourth, and Racing Bulls.
It is believed that Racing Bulls hold the ‘best of the rest’ title currently due to the Red Bull Ford power unit in the back of the VCARB03.
Kravitz said, “My information is that under the radar, Racing Bulls and Haas are ahead of Alpine and Williams. Williams are struggling because this is their first test, and I have them 7th.
“Racing Bulls are fifth, but there is quite a big gap between fourth-place McLaren and Racing Bulls in fifth. With a question mark over Haas as they have the Ferrari power unit, but not the Ferrari aerodynamics.
“Whereas, Racing Bulls are benefitting from the same very efficient power unit that Red Bull Racing have.”
Williams put in the most laps during the first week of pre-season testing in Bahrain – Is this a reassuring sign after they missed the Barcelona shakedown?
READ MORE: Who is Racing Bulls F1 driver Liam Lawson? Everything you need to know
Liam Lawson is struggling to ‘master’ new F1 regulations
The first two days of the Bahrain Test saw Racing Bulls plagued by issues and limited running, especially for Kiwi driver Liam Lawson.
Lawson did not get out on track on the opening day and was only able to complete 50 laps on day two, before completing 119 laps on the final day at the Bahrain International Circuit.
After the second day of testing, Lawson discovered that he needed to adapt his driving style to suit the new style of F1 cars that have been introduced in the latest regulations.
The 24-year-old has now set adapting to the new driving style as his main goal ahead of the 2026 season opener in Melbourne in March.
The 2026 Formula 1 season could be a crucial year for Lawson, as Lindblad has painted a target on Lawson’s back and aims to beat him in the Championship.
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