F1 2026 Pre-Season: Final Bahrain Testing Underway Amid Key Meetings on Engine and Start Disputes

The 2026 Formula 1 season is heating up even before the first race, with the final pre-season test kicking off in Bahrain this week. Running from Wednesday to Friday, the event offers fans their last glimpse of the new cars before the Australian Grand Prix on March 8. However, much of the focus is off the track, where two pivotal meetings could resolve ongoing disputes over power units and race starts.

Power Unit Drama Reaches Boiling Point

The Power Unit Advisory Committee (PUAC) meeting on Wednesday will tackle the heated debate surrounding the compression ratio limit in the new 2026 engines. The rules cap this at 16.0, down from 18.0 in previous years, with measurements taken when engines are not at full temperature. Rivals to Mercedes and initially Red Bull accused them of exploiting a loophole to achieve higher compression during operation, prompting complaints from Ferrari, Honda, and Audi.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff initially dismissed the concerns aggressively, telling rivals to "get your s*** together" and accusing them of making "excuses." However, Wolff has since adopted a more conciliatory tone, acknowledging the possibility of adjustments. Red Bull's engine chief Ben Hodgkinson had earlier called it "a lot of noise about nothing," but reports suggest Red Bull has now aligned with the other manufacturers, pushing the FIA for stricter enforcement across all conditions.

The controversy dominated pre-season, with teams believing Mercedes ran below full capacity during last week's Bahrain test to downplay the issue. A resolution requires a 'super majority' from the FIA, FOM, and manufacturers. This could impact not just Mercedes but also customer teams McLaren, Williams, and Alpine, all reliant on their power units.

Alfa Romeo's Fred Vasseur emphasized the need for clarity, stating, "Now the most important [thing] is to take a decision because to stay grey is not a solution, it has to be black or white. It's important for us, it's important for everybody."

Safety Concerns Over Race Starts

Simultaneously, the F1 Commission will discuss modifications to race start procedures. The 2026 power units require longer spool-up times due to new energy management systems, raising safety fears as drivers prepare on the grid. Most teams advocate for extra seconds in the countdown to allow proper preparation.

McLaren's Andrea Stella highlighted the urgency, calling it a matter of "safety" and deeming it "imperative" to adjust before Australia. "We are not talking about how fast you are in qualifying, we are not talking about what is your race pace, we are talking about safety on the grid," Stella said. "There are some topics which are simply bigger than the competitive interests. And for me, having safety on the grid, which can be achieved with a simple adjustment, is just a no-brainer."

Ferrari remains opposed, having designed their unit around the current rules. Without consensus, the start procedure may remain unchanged, potentially leading to chaotic openings in Melbourne.

Testing Schedule and What to Watch

The Bahrain test runs daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. UK time (2 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET), with full live broadcasts available. For newcomers, focus on energy management—the key differentiator in the new regs—rather than lap times. Watch for smooth handling and driver feedback.

The field features a clear top four: Mercedes and Red Bull leading, Ferrari close behind, and McLaren in contention. Cadillac/GM's debut as a new team has been solid, operational if not speedy. Ferrari brings upgrades this week, while the Mercedes compression saga lingers.

Teams like McLaren's Andrea Stella have also flagged broader start safety issues. As the sport navigates these changes, Wednesday's off-track talks could define the 2026 season's early dynamics.