Bahrain Test Keeps F1’s Front-Runners Honest as Aston Martin Struggles

F1’s second 2026 preseason test in Bahrain kept the familiar ‘big four’ in play, with Mercedes fastest in the final session and Red Bull’s new engine delivering strong reliability; Cadillac and Audi logged solid mileage but aren’t expected to contend for front spots yet. Williams showed improvement while Aston Martin’s AMR26 underwhelmed, leaving the team with pace and mileage concerns. Drivers are adapting to the new cars’ quirks, including unusual low-gear starts and turbo spool timing, and McLaren urged changes to the start and overtaking rules on safety grounds ahead of Australia, with a broader F1 Commission discussion looming.