Get ready for an exciting week of Formula 1 testing in Bahrain! As the final week of pre-season testing approaches, teams are gearing up for a crucial three-day period from February 18th to 20th. But who will be behind the wheel each day? Here's a sneak peek at the driver line-ups for week two of the F1 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Wednesday:
- McLaren: Norris (AM) - Piastri (PM)
- Mercedes: Antonelli (AM) - Russell (PM)
- Red Bull: Isack Hadjar
- Ferrari: TBC
- Williams: Alex Albon (AM) - Carlos Sainz (PM)
- Racing Bulls: Lindblad (AM) - Lawson (PM)
- Aston Martin: Stroll (AM) - Alonso (PM)
- Haas: Ocon (AM) - Bearman (PM)
- Audi: Hulkenberg (AM) - Bortoleto (PM)
- Alpine: Gasly (AM) - Colapinto (PM)
Thursday:
- McLaren: Norris (AM) - Piastri (PM)
- Mercedes: Russell (AM) - Antonelli (PM)
- Red Bull: Hadjar (AM) - Verstappen (PM)
- Ferrari: TBC
- Williams: Carlos Sainz
- Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson
- Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso
- Haas: Bearman (AM) - Ocon (PM)
- Audi: Bortoleto (AM) - Hulkenberg (PM)
- Alpine: Colapinto
Friday:
- McLaren: Piastri (AM) - Norris (PM)
- Mercedes: Antonelli (AM) - Russell (PM)
- Red Bull: Verstappen
- Ferrari: TBC
- Williams: Alex Albon (AM) - Carlos Sainz (PM)
- Racing Bulls: Arvid Lindblad
- Aston Martin: Lance Stroll
- Haas: Ocon (AM) - Bearman (PM)
- Audi: Hulkenberg (AM) - Bortoleto (PM)
- Alpine: Pierre Gasly
But here's where it gets controversial... The teams' focus on extracting pace from their packages might offer a clearer picture of the pecking order, but it could also lead to some unexpected results. And this is the part most people miss... The regulation changes have led to completely new cars, and the testing is crucial for teams to iron out any gremlins and prepare for the season-opening round in Australia.
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop, and Nick Golding as they discuss Max Verstappen's criticism of the regulations and whether Formula 1 is facing an identity crisis. And don't forget to download the 2026 F1 calendar to stay up-to-date with all the action! Remember, the cars hit the track from February 18th to 20th, so mark your calendars and get ready for an exciting week of F1 testing!
