The new F1 season is closing in fast! The countdown is on to the opening weekend in Melbourne. Before the battle for the world championship truly kicks off, Max Verstappen and co. will spend two weeks testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. After the private shakedown in Barcelona and the first test week in Bahrain, the second test week will be available to watch live for the fans.
The second three-day winter test in Bahrain takes place between 18 and 20 February. It’s customary for all drivers to get one and a half days on track. The internal allocation is decided by the teams themselves. Isack Hadjar ran the opening session for Red Bull on Friday morning, but in the afternoon it’s Max Verstappen’s turn again. These are the Dutchman’s final test miles ahead of the new season.
Line-up for Friday afternoon
| Team | Driver |
| McLaren | Lando Norris |
| Mercedes | George Russell |
| Red Bull | Max Verstappen |
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc |
| Williams | Carlos Sainz |
| Racing Bulls | Arvid Lindblad |
| Aston Martin | Lance Stroll |
| Haas | Oliver Bearman |
| Audi | Gabriel Bortoleto |
| Alpine | Pierre Gasly |
| Cadillac | Valtteri Bottas |
