Formula 1 pre-season testing will be held again in Bahrain in 2026 – for the sixth year in a row – at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), with big changes on the grid.

BIC will host an historic Formula 1 pre-season testing in 2026 across two exciting three-day sessions. Scheduled to take place from February 11 to 13 and February 18 to 20 at Sakhir, the tests will offer fans a front-row seat to major changes in the sport.

The sessions mark the beginning of a new era for F1, with transformative new regulations and the long-awaited debut of the Cadillac F1 Team, the 11th addition to join the grid. Fans in Bahrain and worldwide will get their first glimpse of the all-new cars in action as teams prepare for the season ahead.

This will be the sixth consecutive year that pre-season testing is held at BIC. The circuit first hosted tests in 2009 and again in 2014, before becoming a regular fixture from 2021 onwards. The 2026 test sessions offer fans the rare opportunity to see all 11 teams in action as they prepare for a busy season that will kick off with the Australian Grand Prix weekend from March 6 to 8. The championship will continue with races in China and Japan, before heading back to the Kingdom for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, from April 10 to 12 – the fourth round in a packed 24-race calendar.

“It is once again a tremendous honour to be selected as the host venue for F1 Pre-season Testing in 2026,” said BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa. “With so much to look forward to next year with the introduction of the new regulations and Cadillac F1 Team joining the grid, the tests will be an historic and hugely important occasion for the sport.”

Fans can take advantage of the Early Bird promotion for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026, which runs until August 3. It offers 15% discount on tickets for the Main Grandstand and Turn 1 Grandstands, with 10% off for the Beyon Grandstand, University Grandstand, and Victory Grandstand. All those who purchase tickets during this Early Bird promotion will enjoy free entry to the second three-day session of the F1 pre-season testing 2026. ✤

GO: Call 1745 0000 or visit bahraingp.com for ticket purchases and more information.