F1 has completed its longest preseason in years with its new cars. But heading to race one, there's no clear favorite team

Formula 1 bosses are moving towards a rule change that would close a loophole rivals believe Mercedes have exploited in the sport's new engine rules.

It’s just two weeks until F1 gets underway in Australia, and teams are currently in Bahrain, midway through their third and final preseason test. The 2026 season promises to be wildly different from those of the past few years, with all-new cars, engines, hybrid systems, and sustainable fuels entering the mix and shaking up the established order.

Formula 1’s final preseason test ahead of the 2026 season is now over. All 11 teams took to the Bahrain International Circuit in their new cars for three days, bidding to complete as much running as possible before the checkered flag fell on Friday.

Ferrari closed out the 2026 F1 Bahrain pre-season test with Charles Leclerc posting the fastest lap time, though concerns about their turbo were raised by several engineers in the paddock. Leclerc’s 1:31.

Formula 1s engine dispute will be resolved before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix after talks were held in Bahrain during testing; watch the second day of the final week of testing on Thursday from 6.

As pre-season testing reaches its conclusion, which teams look best - and worst - placed ahead of the Australian Grand Prix?

Explained: In addition to the engine row, a new issue over race starts will be a key topic at an F1 Commission meeting on Wednesday, as well as ‘lift and coast’ procedures and the new ‘overtake’ mode

Charles Leclerc ensured Ferrari ended preseason testing in style with a scintillating set of late laps in Bahrain that will increase hype around the Italian team's 2026 chances.