F1 testing 2026 live: Updates, stream lap times with Verstappen on track in Bahrain – UK Times

Formula 1 has trialled a new race start procedure – involving flashing blue grid panels – at pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Following discussions in a meeting of the F1 Commission on Wednesday, 10 cars trialled a fresh procedure on Wednesday, with a “five-second, blue pre-start warning” before the usual five red lights illuminate and vanish.

The drivers completed two formation laps before setting up on the grid and undertaking the new protocol. With noisy revving engines, all 10 cars moved off the line, with some experiencing more wheelspin than others. Further trials will take place on Thursday and Friday.

Welcome to live coverage of day two of pre-season testing in Bahrain!

We’re set to see Max Verstappen for the first time this week, as he takes to the Red Bull car for a full day of running.

Thanks for following today’s coverage – join us tomorrow for day 2 in Bahrain!

1 George Russell (GB) Mercedes 1:33:459

2 Oscar Piastri (Aus) McLaren +0.010

3 Charles Leclerc (Mon) Ferrari +0.280

4 Lando Norris (GB) McLaren +0.593

5 Kimi Antonelli (Ita) Mercedes +0.699

6 Isack Hadjar (Fra) Red Bull +0.801

7 Lewis Hamilton (GB) Ferrari +0.840

8 Carlos Sainz (Spa) Williams +1.654

9 Franco Colapinto (Arg) Alpine +1.795

10 Gabriel Bortoleto (Brz) Audi +1.804

11 Alex Albon (Tha) Williams +2.231

12 Liam Lawson (NZ) Racing Bulls +2.294

13 Pierre Gasly (Fra) Alpine +2.439

14 Lance Stroll (Can) Aston Martin +2.515

15 Esteban Ocon (Fra) Alpine +2.959

16 Fernando Alonso (Spa) Aston Martin +3.077

17 Nico Hülkenberg (Ger) Audi +3.282

18 Arvid Lindblad (GB) Racing Bulls +3.310

19 Oliver Bearman (GB) Haas +3.311

20 Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Cadillac +3.787

21 Sergio Pérez (Mex) Cadillac +4.732

Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 70

George Russell (Mercedes) – 76

Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 44

Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) – 66

Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 26

Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 55

Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 61

Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 42

Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) – 71

Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 60

Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) – 35

A lot of revving, a lot of wheelspin, but all 10 cars got away OK!

So the systems work. Let’s see how further trials go tomorrow and on Friday…

Two formation laps are done and dusted… let’s see how this turns out!

The Mercedes driver sets the new benchmark, with a 1:33:459 – 0.010 secs ahead of Piastri in second!

Final few laps now before we get this practice start…

At the end of this session, we’ll have a practice race start with a new procedure:

“A red flag will be shown and all cars will return to the pit lane. The cars will then complete a formation lap, followed by an additional formation lap, before lining up on the grid for a simulated race start.

“Once all cars are in position, a new Pre-Start Warning will begin: all grid panels will flash blue for 5 seconds. After the blue warning ends, the usual start sequence will begin.

“In total, the sequence will consist of:

* Cars back in pit lane and line up in the fast lane

* Pit exit open – cars leave pit lane to go back on the grid

* Cars back in position on the grid

* 5-second blue pre-start warning

* Standard start light procedure

The Frenchman has been in the car all day for Red Bull – though after issues this morning, only has 55 laps to his name – and has just set his best time with a 1:34.260 putting him sixth-fastest.

As the sun sets and darkness falls, the final few laps now for this afternoon’s drivers.