Bahrain
F1 pre-season testing concludes in Bahrain with mixed reactions
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Formula 1 teams completed the second pre-season test in Bahrain, showcasing the new 2026 regulations featuring lighter cars and a 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power. Drivers expressed varied opinions, from concerns over complexity to optimism about performance gains. Stefano Domenicali urged fans to stay calm, emphasizing the spectacle remains intact.
Prithvi Raj Prajeesh of India won the 11th ACA Classical FIDE Rated Chess Tournament with an unbeaten 5.5 out of 6 points. The event took place in Bahrain from January 25 to February 3, 2026. Lumanog Eddie Jr L from the Philippines finished second with 5 points.
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Mercedes introduced a revised rear wing on the final day of Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, aiming to enhance airflow management. However, the session ended frustratingly for driver Kimi Antonelli due to a power unit problem. The team gathered useful data despite mechanical setbacks.
Red Bull Racing's technical director Pierre Wache stated during the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain that the team is currently behind Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren. Despite praise for their new power unit, Wache highlighted ongoing weaknesses in low-speed traction. New driver Isack Hadjar expressed confidence in achieving race wins this season.
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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged Red Bull's superior performance on the first day of 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain, noting a significant advantage in energy deployment. Despite a positive shakedown in Barcelona, Mercedes faces car balance challenges in the hot conditions. Wolff emphasized the need for his team to improve against the benchmark set by Red Bull and Max Verstappen.