Lando Norris has ran a fast lap and popped his car back on top again. He went purple in sectors one and two and set a lap time of 1:33.453. He has completed 16 laps now. Williams did have to play catch-up after missing the private testing in Barcelona but Alex Albon's car is currently third on the leaderboard.

Max Verstappen thinks that the majority of Formula 1 drivers share his criticism of the new 2026 cars, but emphasises that not everyone expresses it as strongly. The FIA, however, claims the

Lewis Hamilton has joined Max Verstappen in criticising the new cars for 2026.

The Red Bull driver narrowly missed out on the title in 2025 but has already proved he is one of F1's best-ever stars.

The first lot of cars are already out and racing around the circuit in Bahrain. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen wastes no time and gets his Red Bull out on track. He will be in the seat for the full day. He's set a personal best time of 1:38.955 already this morning.

Formula 1’s final preseason test ahead of the 2026 season is underway. All 11 teams are taking to the Bahrain International Circuit in their new cars, bidding to complete as much running as possible before the checkered flag on Friday.