Formula 1's first pre-season test in Bahrain revealed divisions among drivers over the 2026 cars' drivability, with Max Verstappen calling them 'Formula E on steroids' due to intense energy management. McLaren's Andrea Stella urged safety tweaks for race starts and overtaking, while Mercedes' George Russell advocated giving the rules time to evolve. Testing highlighted competitive pace from top teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren.
The 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test at Bahrain International Circuit, spanning three days from February 11-13, showcased the new regulations' challenges. Cars now derive nearly 50% of power from electric motors, leading to complex energy harvesting and deployment strategies that frustrated several drivers.
Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing described the cars as 'not a lot of fun' and 'anti-racing,' noting that driver inputs heavily impact energy levels. 'A lot of what you do as a driver has a massive effect on the energy side of things,' he said. 'For me, that's just not Formula 1.' He compared the experience to Formula E, where energy efficiency is central, and warned of worse issues at energy-demanding tracks like Melbourne.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella highlighted safety concerns, including turbo spool-up delays at race starts that could cause stalls, dangerous lift-and-coast maneuvers on straights, and reduced overtaking without DRS. 'We are talking about safety on the grid,' Stella emphasized. 'This is a bigger interest than any competitive interest.' He proposed adjustments like extended start procedures and higher electric power limits to mitigate risks, to be discussed at the upcoming F1 Commission meeting.
In contrast, reigning champion Lando Norris of McLaren found the cars 'a lot of fun' and a 'good challenge,' dismissing complaints by noting drivers' high pay. George Russell of Mercedes praised the lighter, more agile chassis but acknowledged low-rev cornering feels 'like a bit of a handbrake.' Lewis Hamilton called the systems 'ridiculously complex,' requiring a 'degree to fully understand.'
Race simulations indicated strong pace from Mercedes (Kimi Antonelli and Russell), Ferrari (Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton), and McLaren (Oscar Piastri and Norris), with midfield teams like Haas and Alpine trailing by over a second. Ferrari led Day 2 times, while Antonelli topped Day 3. Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds invited Verstappen to the Jeddah E-Prix, teasing that its Gen4 car might suit his preferences better.
The test exposed the regulations' growing pains, with teams expecting rapid development before the March 8 Australian Grand Prix.
