Pre-season testing is the initial opportunity for Formula 1 teams to collectively run their cars and gain early insights into the competitiveness of the upcoming season. This year, the testing will be condensed into a three-day period, all of which will be held in Bahrain, the same location as the season opener just over a week later.
To view the complete race calendar, please click here. However, below you will find a summary of the pre-season testing schedule. The Bahrain pre-season test will span from February 21 to 23. This will be the only official opportunity for teams to engage in collective running. Prior to this, teams will conduct shakedowns, also known as filming days, where they can run their cars for up to 200km.
Track activities will commence at 10am local time in Bahrain (7am GMT/UK) and conclude at 7pm local time (4pm GMT/UK) on all three days. The broadcast of pre-season testing will be available on F1TV in all territories where it typically covers live F1 weekends. UK subscribers can stream the action on Sky Sports F1. Typically, the coverage involves a collaboration between F1TV and Sky, with pundits from both platforms sharing presenting and commentating responsibilities.
It is important to note that pre-season testing does not always provide an entirely accurate reflection of the true competitive order. However, it can offer indications of teams’ progress compared to the previous year. For instance, Aston Martin’s significant improvement in 2023 was hinted at by their strong performance during pre-season testing.