As Formula 1 gears up for its first preseason testing sessions of 2026 in Bahrain, there’s no shortage of intrigue. With sweeping new regulations, fresh car designs, and a crop of storylines already bubbling up, these next few weeks could go a long way in shaping how this new era of F1 unfolds. From powerhouse teams looking to reassert dominance to underdogs hoping to capitalize on a clean slate, here are five key questions we’ll be watching as the cars hit the track from February 11-13 and again from February 18-20.
1. Is Mercedes really as fast as everyone fears?
Mercedes has spent most of the winter break shrouded in quiet confidence. And after their smooth shakedown in Barcelona, the buzz around the Silver Arrows only grew louder. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli both completed their programs without a hiccup, logging long runs that looked more like a team fine-tuning than one searching for answers.
But let’s not crown them just yet. The real test comes in Bahrain, where the W17 will finally be pushed in conditions that matter.
If Mercedes shows the same kind of pace there, the rest of the paddock may have a serious problem on their hands. There’s a sense of déjà vu here - fans still remember the 2014 season, when Mercedes cracked the engine regulations wide open and left the field in the dust.
F1 can’t afford a repeat of that kind of runaway dominance. For the sake of competition, the hope is that the field stays closer this time around.
2. Is there a dark horse ready to surprise everyone?
While Mercedes has commanded the spotlight, there’s a quiet confidence building in other corners of the grid. Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull have all been mentioned as potential frontrunners, but don’t sleep on Aston Martin. The team has been drawing praise from up and down the paddock - including from George Russell and Williams team boss James Vowles - and there’s a growing belief that they might have something special brewing.
That’s the beauty of a new regulation cycle. Every team starts from zero, and past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.
With so many variables in play, it wouldn’t be shocking to see a team like Aston Martin - or someone else flying under the radar - come out of testing with a car that turns heads. All it takes is one breakthrough design or concept to shake up the pecking order.
3. What technical innovations will turn heads in Bahrain?
If you’re a fan of the technical side of F1, this is your time to shine. The first glimpses of the 2026 cars in Barcelona revealed a wide range of design philosophies. From suspension setups to sidepod shapes to aggressive front and rear wing configurations, it’s clear that teams are taking very different approaches to the new rulebook.
Expect Bahrain to bring more answers - and maybe a few surprises. Teams could already be rolling out early upgrades, and we’ll get a better sense of which concepts are working and which might need a rethink.
Keep an eye on Aston Martin’s rear suspension and Alpine’s rear wing activation system - both have already sparked curiosity. In an era where championships are often won as much in the wind tunnel as on the racetrack, the early technical edge could be massive.
4. What’s with all the secrecy?
One of the more puzzling storylines heading into testing is the level of privacy surrounding the early sessions. The Barcelona shakedown was closed off, even to the media, and the first Bahrain test will only have the final hour of each day broadcast to fans. Full coverage doesn’t begin until the second test, from February 18-20.
It raises an obvious question: what exactly is F1 trying to hide? Whether it’s concerns about reliability under the new regulations or just a desire to control the narrative, the limited access has only fueled speculation.
At a time when fans are eager to understand the new era of cars and technology, clamping down on visibility feels like a missed opportunity. Transparency builds excitement - and right now, F1 is leaving a lot to the imagination.
5. Can the new regulations deliver a better viewing experience?
Let’s be honest - for all the talk about power units and aero tweaks, what really matters is how these changes look and feel on screen. And in 2026, that’s going to be a major challenge.
The increased reliance on electrical power means battery deployment will play a huge role in performance. That means we could see wild swings in lap times or seemingly random overtakes - all driven by energy management. Without clear visuals or explanations, fans could be left scratching their heads.
DRS is gone, replaced by active aerodynamics and a new “Overtake Mode.” There’s also a boost function and a recharge option - all tied to the car’s electrical output.
It’s a lot to track, and if F1 doesn’t find a way to communicate these elements clearly during broadcasts, it risks alienating casual viewers. The sport has to make sure fans can follow the action without needing an engineering degree.
That means real-time battery graphics, clear commentary, and intuitive explanations. Because if the audience can’t understand what’s happening, the spectacle loses its impact.
Bottom line: The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating resets in recent F1 history. New rules, new cars, and a wide-open field - at least for now.
Bahrain’s preseason tests won’t answer every question, but they’ll give us our first real taste of what’s to come. Whether it’s Mercedes flexing early, a surprise contender emerging, or a tech innovation changing the game, the road to 2026 starts here.
Buckle up.