Team Pecking Order

F1 teams downplay strengths during Bahrain pre-season testing

February 14, 2026 Iniulat ng AI Larawang ginawa ng AI

Formula 1 teams exhibited caution in assessing their 2026 competitiveness during the second pre-season test in Bahrain, with Mercedes posting the fastest lap despite claims of sandbagging. Drivers and officials from Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, and others suggested rivals hold the edge, amid new regulations complicating performance reads. The test highlighted reliability gains for some and struggles for others like Aston Martin.