The pre-season practice sessions for the 2026 Formula 1 season are taking place this week at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. These sessions are crucial as they allow the 11 teams and 22 drivers to fine-tune their cars and strategies ahead of the official season start. Franco Colapinto, an up-and-coming driver, has been actively participating, having already taken to the track on Tuesday and scheduled to practice again on Thursday.

On the first day of activities, teams utilized the time to gather important data for their cars. The scheduled practices on Thursday will see Colapinto participate in both sessions, scheduled from 4 to 8 PM and 9 AM to 1 PM Argentine time. Notably, the pre-season will conclude on Friday, after which only Pierre Gasly from the Alpine team will participate, as Colapinto will complete his sessions a day earlier. This sequence of practices is essential for the drivers and teams as they prepare for the competitive landscape of the upcoming season.

The importance of these practice sessions cannot be overstated, as they provide a final opportunity for teams to make adjustments before heading into the championship battle. The data collected during these tests can significantly influence performance in the first races of the season, making this a critical period for all participating teams. As enthusiasm builds for the 2026 championship, every lap on this circuit represents a vital step towards readiness for the challenges ahead.