Max Verstappen drew first blood on the opening day of F1's first official test in Bahrain, the Red Bull driver 0.169s up on Oscar Piastri.

This is the live blog for day 1 of the winter test in Bahrain on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. Read everything about what happened on and around the track, with GPblog reporter Nicole Mulder present

Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri make Sportico’s top 100 highest-paid athletes list, highlighting F1’s growing financial influence.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen topped the opening session of the first official pre-season test of Formula 1 2026, as Franco Colapinto brought out a brief red flag. Testing of F1 ’s new cars began late last month with the unofficial shakedown at Barcelona, which was held behind closed doors.

Now, Verstappen has been joined by fellow Dutch legends Virgil van Dijk and DJ Martin Garrix for Heineken's new 'Fans Have More Friends' promotion, which sees the Red Bull F1 star attempt to blend in so he can enjoy sports as a regular fan.

Lewis Hamilton expressed shock upon learning Max Verstappen won the Qatar GP, slashing Lando Norris' championship lead to 12 points ahead of Abu Dhabi finale.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has reignited one of F1’s fiercest debates, claiming Max Verstappen has “crossed the line” with his aggressive racecraft, particularly in battles against Lewis Hamilton. His rare, candid remarks shed new light on a rivalry that ...

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