Max Verstappen has delivered a scathing review of the new 2026 F1 rules, claiming it would even be better to "drive in Formula E", such are the energy management demands on drivers.
For F1's new engines, the power output is split 50-50 between the internal combustion engine and beefed-up electrical systems, with the batteries now producing 350kw of power, up from 120kw in 2025.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen delivers scathing verdict on new F1: ‘It’s anti-racing’
Mercedes forced into complete major F1 power unit change
Mercedes has been forced into making a complete power unit change, impacting Kimi Antonelli's running on the second day of the opening test in Bahrain.
The Silver Arrows discovered an issue with the power unit it was running, and following an investigation has decided to complete a full change.
READ MORE: Mercedes forced into complete major F1 power unit change
2026 F1 Bahrain pre-season 1st test – Day 2 full results
Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets on the second day of the first pre-season test in Bahrain, offering strong pace in Ferrari's SF-26.
Leclerc had the entirety of Thursday behind the wheel of Ferrari's 2026 car, posting a 1m 34.273 to go five-tenths faster than McLaren's Lando Norris.
READ MORE: 2026 F1 Bahrain pre-season 1st test – Day 2 full results
Red Bull handed 'mighty impressive' verdict after GPS data direction
Carlos Sainz has hailed Red Bull's performance on the opening day of the first pre-season test in Bahrain as "mighty impressive" and believes they are "a clear step" ahead of their F1 rivals.
Sainz enjoyed his own productive outing as Williams took to the track for the first time after it was forced to miss the private five-day shakedown at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya.
READ MORE: Red Bull handed 'mighty impressive' verdict after GPS data direction
McLaren unusual strategy identified as F1 rivals take different approach
Ted Kravitz has pointed out how McLaren is bucking the pre-season trend of continuously adding new components to its car across the two official tests, ahead of the campaign-opening Australian Grand Prix.
The reigning constructors' champion has equipped the MCL40 at the Bahrain International Circuit with what is expected to be the aerodynamic package it will use in Melbourne.
READ MORE: McLaren unusual strategy identified as F1 rivals take different approach
Lando Norris calls Max Verstappen retirement bluff after astonishing F1 attack
Lando Norris believes if Max Verstappen "wants to retire, he can retire" following the Dutchman's astonishing attack on F1's new regulations.
On Thursday of the first pre-season Bahrain test, Verstappen branded the new F1 rules as "Formula E on steroids", as "anti-racing" and hinted that he could walk away given his dissatisfaction with the new energy management demands placed on drivers.
READ MORE: Lando Norris calls Max Verstappen retirement bluff after astonishing F1 attack
Also interesting:
In this video, we explore a fascinating Mercedes engine theory that is engulfing the F1 paddock. We break down how it works, why it matters, and why this advantage — if real — may be brilliant, legal… but only temporary.
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