You can watch F1 Bahrain pre-season testing in 2026 through a mix of official TV, streaming platforms and online timing/coverage, but not every session is fully televised in every region.

Main official broadcasters

  • Sky Sports F1 (UK & Ireland) – Shows daily live TV coverage during the first Bahrain test in an afternoon window (around 3 p.m.–4:10 p.m. UK), plus full‑day coverage for the second Bahrain test period.
  • ESPN (US) – Does not show every lap on linear TV, but provides a detailed live blog, timing, and session coverage for all Bahrain test days.
  • Other regional rights holders – In many countries the usual F1 race broadcaster (e.g., Canal+, DAZN, etc.) either simulcasts the official F1 feed or offers highlight shows; exact details vary by territory and follow a similar pattern to the UK/US setup.

F1’s own platforms

  • F1 TV Pro / F1 TV Access – Offers live timing, sector data, and on‑demand content; in some regions this includes selected live testing coverage or extended highlight blocks, but availability and session length differ country by country.
  • Formula1.com & F1 app – Provide live timing , lap charts, and text commentary for all Bahrain test days, even when full‑day TV pictures are not broadcast.

2026 Bahrain testing schedule (when to tune in)

Testing is split across two separate three‑day windows at the Bahrain International Circuit.

  • Dates :
    • Test 1: February 11–13
    • Test 2: February 18–20
  • Track times (local, Bahrain) :
    • Morning session: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
    • Afternoon session: 3 p.m.–7 p.m.
  • UK time : roughly 7 a.m.–4 p.m. for full days, matching the full‑coverage days in the second test.

During Test 1 , TV coverage is typically limited to a one‑hour show in the late afternoon UK time (around 3 p.m.), while Test 2 is scheduled to have full‑day live coverage.

Online and community streams

  • YouTube / fan shows – Several channels run “watch‑along” streams with live timing overlays, radio snippets, and social updates (no official onboard or race feed), letting you follow the test with community chat and analysis.
  • Tech and TV‑guide sites – Outlets like TechRadar and similar guides publish up‑to‑date how‑to‑watch articles, including VPN advice for watching from abroad and direct links to official streams.

Quick region‑by‑region checklist

  • If you’re in the UK :
    • Use Sky Sports F1 or stream via NOW for the televised windows and full‑day coverage in the second test; follow the rest via F1.com live timing and ESPN/F1 blogs.
  • If you’re in the US :
    • Follow ESPN’s live blog and timing, plus any ESPN‑carried F1 TV windows; supplement with F1 TV Pro if it’s available in your state.
  • If you’re elsewhere :
    • Check your local F1 rights holder’s schedule (they often mirror Sky’s testing coverage model) and consider F1 TV Pro for timing and any direct streaming they offer in your region.

TL;DR: look first at your normal F1 broadcaster (Sky/ESPN/etc.) for the official televised slots, then use F1 TV and F1.com live timing to follow all sessions, with YouTube “watch‑along” streams as a good extra for live discussion and data.