SAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) — Mercedes driver George Russell was fastest on the first day of Formula 1's final testing event ahead of the new season, edging McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc on Wednesday.

For years, so much focus within the Formula 1 world has been geared toward 2026 and the start of what was promised to be a new, exciting era for the sport. All

Valley Formula One fans will get the chance to see racing cars up close as Downtown Phoenix transforms into a high-octane motorsports showcase. Nov 20, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) during practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets on the final day of pre-season testing at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain on Friday while Aston Martin's plans to make an impact in the new Formula One season crumbled into chaos.

Preseason testing for the new Formula 1 season ends in Bahrain, with teams not putting their cars on a track until the first practice session of the Australian Grand Prix weekend on March 6.

U.K. media and entertainment company Global has lined up an all-star quartet of hosts for “Up to Speed,” its new Formula 1 racing podcast: Will Buxton, “Drive to Survive” star and F1 journalist; driver-turned-broadcaster Naomi Schiff;

Visa renews and expands its Formula 1 sponsorship through 2030 with Oracle Red Bull Racing, Racing Bulls, and F1 Academy - securing a lasting commitment to the sport.

This season’s testing has proved to be more important than any other year,' Lawson said.