Bahrain pre-season testing 2026 dates, schedule, weather, UK start time, updates and how to watch or stream on Sky Sports
F1 heads to the Middle East for two three-day tests in preparation for the 2026 season; watch the final hour of track running on each day of the first Bahrain teat from February 11-13 and then full live coverage of the second test on February 18-20 - live on Sky Sports F1
Friday 6 February 2026 23:08, UK
Formula 1's preparations for its new era in 2026 are poised to ramp up with two pre-season tests in Bahrain starting on Wednesday as the new racing campaign draws ever nearer.
After the private week of running in Barcelona, official pre-season testing takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit with all 11 teams present for two three-day tests.
The first test takes place on February 11-13 with the second following from February 18-20.
- Five takeaways from the Barcelona shakedown
- F1 2026: Testing, calendar, line-ups, new regulations, how to watch on Sky Sports
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺
- Download the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more📱
Sky Sports F1 will be in Bahrain for both tests to keep you up to speed as the countdown continues to the start of the 24-race campaign in March...
Bahrain Test One: Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th, Friday 13th February
- 3pm: Final hour of afternoon session Live
- 8pm: Testing Wrap
- 8.30pm: Ted's Testing Notebook
The final hour of track running on each of the three days of the first test will be shown live on Sky Sports F1.
That means you can watch cars and drivers on track between 3-4pm.
The best of each day's action and the key interviews from the paddock will feature in a Testing Wrap show every night at 8pm.
Ted Kravitz will also be in Bahrain to bring you the final word on each day of the test in Ted's Testing Notebook at 8.30pm.
Also follow the daily live blog on skysports.com and the Sky Sports App from 7am for the key lap times, track updates and video clips, plus catch up with all the latest goings on from Bahrain via reports from Craig Slater on Sky Sports News.
Bahrain Test Two: Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th, Friday 20th February
- 6.50am-11.05am: Morning session Live
- 11.55am-4.10pm: Afternoon session Live
- 8pm: Testing Wrap
Get set for full live coverage of all three days of the second week of running in Bahrain.
Watch live on Sky Sports F1 with the test running from 7am-4pm UK time across morning and afternoon sessions, either side of a lunch break.
Each night our Testing Wrap will again bring you the best of the action and the key interviews from the day.
Also follow the daily live blog on skysports.com and the Sky Sports App for the key lap times, track updates and video clips, plus catch up with all the latest goings on rom Bahrain via reports from Craig Slater on Sky Sports News.
Bahrain track - Bahrain International Circuit
A fixture on F1's racing calendar for two decades, Bahrain has also become the sport's preferred home for pre-season running since 2021.
The 15-corner 3.36-mile circuit features long straights, medium-speed corners and heavy braking zones, and is considered a good test for tyre wear, making it a useful . Drivers also often have to contend with breezy wind, while the venue's floodlighting system means testing can run into the cooling evening too.
Bahrain weather in Sakhir
With dry and warm weather all-but guaranteed in the Middle East, F1 teams should be able to complete unrestricted running across the six days. Expect daytime temperatures in the low-mid 20s.
How to watch or stream Sky Sports F1 in the UK and Ireland
Got Sky?
TV: Sky Customers can watch live on the Sky Sports F1 channel.
App: Sky Customers can also watch on the Sky Sports app.
Not got Sky?
Stream: Non-Sky Customers can stream with a NOW Day or a cancel-anytime Month pass
Live blog: Anyone on the move can follow live coverage through our dedicated F1 blog
FREE Highlights: Watch track highlights and other video clips on the Sky Sports app
How to watch Sky Sports F1 on mobile with the Sky Sports app
Sky Sports Subscribers can:
- Download or open the Sky Sports app
- Head to the 'Watch' section when the programme is on air
- Tap on Sky Sports F1
- Sign in with your Sky iD (*you'll only need to do this once)
*Sky iD help: How to find or create your Sky iD
What is NOW?
NOW is an instant streaming service offering access to all 12 Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports+ stream, and much more.
It's an app, so customers can sign up and stream instantly across over 60 devices. It offers contract-free membership options, so customers can cancel anytime!
You can choose between a Month or Day Membership. See the latest NOW membership prices.
More information about NOW can be found here.
Watch every race of the 2026 F1 season live on Sky Sports, starting with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime
