Sky F1 has announced reduced live coverage for the second pre-season test of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Bahrain. Only the final hour of each day's running will air live, following limited broadcasts for earlier sessions. This adjustment comes as teams prepare for the new regulations ahead of the Australian Grand Prix opener.
The Formula 1 pre-season schedule for 2026 has been expanded to three tests to help teams adapt to their redesigned cars. The first, known as Shakedown Week, occurred last month at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya behind closed doors. The subsequent tests are set for Bahrain, with the initial one from February 11 to 13 and the second from February 18 to 20.
Sky F1, which has held broadcasting rights since 2012, confirmed the change for the upcoming Bahrain session starting this week. Live coverage will be restricted to the last 60 minutes of each day, airing from 1500 UK time, or 1800 local time in Bahrain, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The broadcaster will supplement this with regular evening roundup shows.
This limited format echoes the restricted television access for the first Bahrain test, as reported by PlanetF1.com on January 22. Unlike the Barcelona event, the Bahrain tests are open to media and fans, allowing on-site reporting from the Sakhir circuit. Full live coverage is expected to resume for the final pre-season test later in February.
The adjustments reflect efforts to balance preparation needs with broadcast logistics during this transitional period for F1. Teams will use these sessions to fine-tune their 2026 machinery before the season begins on March 8 in Australia.
