F1 | How to follow the Bahrain tests: Sky TV schedule and live streaming
In February, Formula 1 will travel to Bahrain for pre-season testing. Here are all the broadcast times to follow the sessions live. After the Barcelona tests, which took place behind closed doors from January 26 to January 30, F1 will head to Bahrain for two more pre-season testing sessions. This time, however, the running will be open to the public.
The teams will have the opportunity to gather further data and fine-tune their cars ahead of the official start of the new season, which will begin on March 8 with the Australian Grand Prix. From February 11 to 13 and from February 18 to 20, the teams will be on track in Bahrain. Below are the Sky schedules to follow the tests live and stay fully up to date.
Bahrain tests
From this year, the Formula 1 grid will feature 11 teams, ten of which already made their debut during the Barcelona tests. The only team absent in January was Williams, which will make its first appearance of the season in Bahrain. The 2026 season promises to be full of major changes, and for this reason the FIA has granted three separate test sessions in order to collect as much data as possible before the championship begins.
Drivers will therefore have the chance to become familiar with the new-generation cars, which are smaller, lighter, and equipped with completely different power units compared to recent seasons.
The first three days of running will not receive full coverage from Sky, with only partial live broadcasts planned.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Live from 16:00 to 17:00 – Sky Sport F1, streaming on NOW and LIVE on the Sky Sport F1 YouTube channel.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Live from 16:00 to 17:00 – Sky Sport F1, streaming on NOW and LIVE on the Sky Sport F1 YouTube channel.
Friday, February 13, 2026
Live from 16:00 to 17:00 – Sky Sport F1, streaming on NOW and LIVE on the Sky Sport F1 YouTube channel.
The final Bahrain test session, taking place just before the season opener in Australia, will instead enjoy full live coverage. Below are the Sky broadcast times for the Bahrain tests:
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Live from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00 – Sky Sport F1, streaming on NOW and LIVE on the Sky Sport F1 YouTube channel.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Live from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00 – Sky Sport F1, streaming on NOW and LIVE on the Sky Sport F1 YouTube channel.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Live from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00 – Sky Sport F1, streaming on NOW and LIVE on the Sky Sport F1 YouTube channel.
The 2026 Bahrain testing schedule offers fans a comprehensive look at the new era of Formula 1, with live broadcasts spanning across mid-February to capture the crucial final preparations before the Australian Grand Prix.
Leave a Reply