The inaugural 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain may have concluded, but the real work has just begun for all 11 teams. With only a four-day break before the next test, engineers across the paddock are dissecting mountains of data collected over three days of running. As always, lap times are difficult to interpret due to differing programmes and secretive team agendas. However, clear trends have emerged that point to several pressing questions ahead of the final pre-season outing.

Who Are the Real Favourites?

Despite strong performances, no team is claiming favoritism. Mercedes drew attention with a smooth run at the Barcelona Shakedown, but their Bahrain session was marred by a suspension issue and engine data anomaly. Still, they rebounded on the final day, clocking the two fastest laps.

George Russell downplayed bookmakers' odds favoring Mercedes, instead highlighting Red Bull’s pace as "pretty scary," particularly praising their in-house power unit. Carlos Sainz echoed this sentiment, noting Red Bull Ford appeared "a step ahead" based on GPS data, though he emphasized it was still early days. Conversely, Red Bull insiders believe Mercedes still hold an edge.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc suggested Mercedes haven’t revealed their true pace yet, while McLaren team principal Andrea Stella—whose team are reigning double world champions—believes both Ferrari and Mercedes are currently leading the pack. Ferrari, typically reserved, showed strength in race starts thanks to a power unit that minimizes turbo lag, enabling superior launches.

How Impressive Is Red Bull’s New Power Unit?

Red Bull’s debut internal combustion engine has been one of the standout stories of pre-season. Just three-and-a-half years after launching their powertrain division, the energy giant has delivered both reliability and high performance.

While reliability shone in Barcelona, Bahrain revealed its performance potential. Reports suggest Red Bull’s power unit allowed for longer and more consistent energy deployment, giving them an estimated one-second advantage on straights over rivals like Mercedes. Their gearbox is also drawing praise for efficient energy recharge during aggressive downshifts, enhancing deployment capability.

However, experts caution that Red Bull might be in performance evaluation mode, collecting essential data as newcomers. More experienced engine manufacturers may not yet have pushed their units to the limit or are deliberately holding back.

Is Aston Martin Really Struggling?

Adrian Newey’s first car for Aston Martin generated huge anticipation but has faced significant hurdles. Due to Newey joining only in March of the previous year, the team’s 2026 project started months behind competitors. Their initial wind tunnel testing began four months late, compressing development time.

This delay contributed to a late debut in Barcelona and limited running in Bahrain—just 202 laps, the fewest among all teams. Team representative Pedro de la Rosa admitted they are "clearly behind" and that recovery “won’t be an overnight fix.”

Beyond the car design, Aston Martin faces multiple complex challenges: integrating Honda’s newly revived power unit, collaborating with new fuel partner Aramco on advanced sustainable fuels, and developing their own gearbox and suspension for the first time after ending their long relationship with Mercedes. With major technical hires still integrating, the team acknowledges a tough start but sees room for improvement during the season—as Red Bull did in 2022.

Have Williams Closed the Gap?

Williams faced an even more difficult start, missing the Barcelona Shakedown entirely due to production delays. However, they executed two successful filming days—one at Silverstone and another in Bahrain—to get the FW47 onto track before the test.

In Bahrain, Williams completed over 420 laps, the highest of any team, covering the equivalent of seven and a half race distances. That mileage provides critical data, marking a strong recovery. However, the car appears tricky to drive and is overweight—a significant handicap affecting lap time.

The team remains behind but has made tangible progress. If they replicate this running volume in the next test, it will be a notable achievement in damage control, though much work lies ahead.

How Did Cadillac Impress on Their Debut?

Cadillac’s entrance into Formula 1 has been met with widespread respect. Despite being a ground-up operation with no historical data, the American manufacturer completed over 1,700km—more than Alpine, Mercedes, and Aston Martin—across the three test days.

There were expected teething issues: a throttle problem disrupted Sergio Perez’s programme, and a cooling issue delayed Valtteri Bottas. Nevertheless, Cadillac exceeded milestones for a rookie team in such a short span.

Team boss Graeme Lowdon confirmed they will focus next week on refining race procedures, tyre management, energy deployment, and team coordination. The data amassed will be crucial as they prepare for their maiden Grand Prix. Early signs indicate Cadillac is well-organized and technically competent, earning quiet admiration across the paddock.

What Comes Next?

The final three-day pre-season test will offer deeper insights as teams begin fine-tuning for qualifying and race conditions. Yet a true hierarchy may not emerge until the third or fourth race of the season. With new regulations, power units, and teams entering, unpredictability reigns—for now.