Sky Sports F1 confirm the change for Bahrain test as…read more
Sky Sports F1 has announced a notable adjustment to its traditional broadcast approach for Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, changing how fans will be able to follow the on-track action compared to previous years.
After the recent Barcelona shakedown — a private multi-day running session used by teams to conduct early systems checks — attention now turns to Bahrain, where two official pre-season test events are scheduled. Each test will run across three days, giving teams valuable track time to evaluate their new cars and gather performance data under the latest technical regulations. Unlike the Barcelona running, which took place behind closed doors with no television coverage, the Bahrain sessions will allow media access and limited broadcast programming.
Sky Sports F1 confirmed that for the first Bahrain test, running from February 11 to February 13, its live coverage will be reduced compared to its usual wall-to-wall testing broadcasts from past seasons. Instead of airing full-day live track sessions, the broadcaster will show only the final hour of running on each day. This live segment will begin at 15:00 GMT, aligning with recent coverage adjustments also introduced by F1 TV’s own broadcast plans.
This scaled-back live window marks a shift from the more extensive coverage style Sky Sports F1 has previously used for pre-season tests, where multiple hours of live track action were typically available to viewers. The new format suggests a more highlights-focused approach, concentrating on the closing phase of each day when teams often complete performance runs and simulation work.
In addition to the daily final-hour live broadcast, Sky Sports F1 will continue to provide viewers with structured recap programming later in the evening. Each testing day will be followed by a dedicated highlights and analysis show titled Testing Wrap, scheduled to air at 20:00 GMT. This program will review the day’s key developments, notable lap times, technical observations, and emerging storylines from the paddock.
Following the wrap-up show, Sky Sports F1 will again feature Ted’s Testing Notebook at 20:30 GMT, hosted by long-time F1 reporter Ted Kravitz. The program is expected to maintain its familiar format, offering deeper technical insights, garage updates, and behind-the-scenes reporting. Kravitz’s segments are particularly popular with fans for their focus on car developments, upgrade details, and team-by-team analysis — elements that are especially relevant during pre-season running when new designs first appear on track.
The Bahrain pre-season tests are especially significant this year because teams are working with cars developed under updated regulations. Testing sessions provide the first meaningful opportunity to compare reliability, aerodynamic concepts, and long-run pace in a competitive environment shared by all teams. Engineers and drivers use the limited test days to validate simulations, experiment with setup directions, and identify potential weaknesses before the opening race weekend.
While the broadcast plan for the February 11–13 test is now confirmed, Sky Sports F1 has not yet released viewing details for the second Bahrain pre-season test scheduled for February 18–20. It remains unclear whether the same reduced live coverage format will be applied or if expanded programming will be introduced for the final test before the season begins.
For fans, the updated broadcast structure means less continuous live testing footage but still preserves key analysis and expert breakdowns each evening. With new cars, new rules, and limited preparation time, even the shortened coverage windows are expected to attract strong interest as teams reveal their early competitive form.
