Sakhir, Bahrain: McLaren’s Lando Norris set the pace on the opening day of Formula 1’s 2026 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, topping the timesheets as teams began their six-day test programme ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8.

Norris Fastest on Opening Day in Sakhir

Norris clocked a best lap time of 1:34.669 on the C2 compound tyre, finishing ahead of reigning World Champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull) by just 0.129 seconds, while Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) secured third place, 0.521 seconds adrift on the softer C3 compound.

Verstappen also recorded the fastest lap on the hardest C1 compound, posting a 1:35.631, underlining Red Bull’s early pace across different tyre specifications.

Eight different teams featured in the top ten, indicating a competitive start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Hot Conditions Challenge Drivers

A total of 18 drivers took to the track under significantly warmer conditions compared to last year’s Bahrain test. Air temperatures ranged between 25°C and 32°C, while track temperatures fluctuated from 25°C to a peak of 43°C — a stark contrast to 2025, when temperatures did not exceed 15°C in Manama.

Across eight hours of running, teams completed an impressive 6,183 kilometres, gathering crucial data on performance, reliability, and tyre behaviour.

Tyre Usage Breakdown: C3 Most Popular Compound

For this first round of testing — with the second scheduled for next week — teams were limited to using the three hardest slick compounds in Pirelli’s 2026 range: C1, C2 and C3, along with one set of intermediate tyres in case of wet conditions.

Tyre Usage Statistics:

• C3 Compound (Softest available):
  • 603 laps completed
  • 3,262 km covered
  • Accounted for 53% of total laps
  • 40 sets used
• C2 Compound:
  • 382 laps completed
  • 2,067 km covered
  • 33% of total laps
  • 29 sets used
• C1 Compound (Hardest):
  • 156 laps completed
  • 844 km covered
  • 14% of total laps
  • 11 sets used

The intermediate tyre was used only briefly by Esteban Ocon (Haas) for two installation laps at the start of the session.

Long Runs Highlight Race Simulations

Several drivers focused on longer stints to simulate race conditions:

• Sergio Perez (Cadillac) completed the longest single run on C1 with 30 laps
• Max Verstappen recorded a 31-lap stint on C2
• Esteban Ocon completed a 25-lap run on C3

These extended runs provide teams with valuable data on tyre degradation and fuel loads ahead of the Melbourne opener.

Drivers Absent on Day 1

Four drivers did not take to the track during the opening day:

• Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
• Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
• Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
• Ollie Bearman (Haas)

Testing Schedule Continues

Pre-season testing in Bahrain continues over the next two days, with sessions scheduled from:

• 10:00 to 14:00
• 15:00 to 19:00 (local time)

With just weeks to go before lights out in Melbourne, teams will be aiming to refine setups, evaluate tyre performance, and address reliability concerns as the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches.