F1 Testing Results: Bahrain timesheets as Russell dominates on day FIA proposes new engine test

The second week of F1 testing at the Bahrain International Circuit has commenced with George Russell and Mercedes back on top after the FIA proposed a new engine test.

The British star topped the timesheets on Wednesday in Bahrain with a 1:33.459, but bigger news took place off the racetrack and could have severe implications on Mercedes' season after the controversy surrounding the geometric compression ratio trick in their power unit.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton grilled by F1 rival about Kim Kardashian relationship

Following an F1 Commission meeting which also took place on Wednesday, the FIA announced that a proposal has been put forward to measure compression ratios at both high temperatures and ambient temperatures, with power unit manufacturers due to vote on whether to introduce that rule or not.

There was also drama on track on the first day of the second week testing stint when Aston Martin star Lance Stroll caused a red flag in the afternoon, veering off into the gravel at Turn 11 and provoking concern that a previous hand injury could resurface.

Lewis Hamilton's afternoon running was also thrown into jeopardy when the screens were spotted up in front of the Ferrari garage, with the team working on his car.

The Brit managed to get back out on track 90 minutes later after the delay, accompanied by a hefty splatter of flow-vis paint on his SF-26. By the end of the day, Hamilton managed to complete 44 laps and set the seventh best time of a 1:34.299.

Isack Hadjar was plagued by technical issues in the RB22 throughout the morning session, experiencing a water system issue that kept the Frenchman off the track for a considerable amount of time.

The Red Bull star only completed 13 laps in the first half of the day, as concerns over reliability mount especially after a hydraulics leak last week hampered Hadjar's running too.

However, Max Verstappen's new team-mate managed to pick up an additional 53 laps in the afternoon after a difficult start to his week in Bahrain.

Verstappen himself was not part of Wednesday's running plan for Red Bull, and instead will enjoy a full day in the RB22 on Thursday while Hadjar will sit out the day.

F1 Testing Results - Bahrain Week Two - Day One

Who's driving for the F1 teams in Bahrain?

When does the 2026 F1 season start?

After the first round of pre-season tests in Bahrain took place between February 11 and 13, the second round continues this week between February 18 and February 20.

All 11 teams will then be back in action when the 2026 season starts in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix. The first race of the year takes place on March 8 at 3pm local time (AEDT), 4am GMT, and 11pm ET.

F1 Testing 2026: Bahrain schedule, start times and how to watch it all LIVE

Written by

Sheona Mountford - F1 Journalist

Sheona Mountford is a motorsport journalist specialising in F1. As a writer and contributor, she covers a wide range of motorsport series from F1 to F1 Academy, responsible for breaking news, live race coverage and in depth analysis of the sport and the culture around it.

View full biography

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