GPFansUnverified16 days agoby Sam Cook

Antonelli Identifies Technical Problem Following Bahrain Pre-Season Struggles

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has pinpointed a mechanical fault that hampered his performance during the pre-season testing phase in Bahrain. The issue prevented the F1 star from executing his full testing schedule at the crucial pre-campaign event.

Following a challenging pre-season testing campaign in Bahrain, Mercedes F1 driver Kimi Antonelli has come forward to explain the difficulties that disrupted his preparation work.

The Silver Arrows star encountered a technical problem with his vehicle that proved problematic enough to disrupt his planned testing programme. Unable to work through his complete schedule at the Bahrain circuit, Antonelli has now shed light on the nature of the setback that impacted his early-season preparations.

The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of pre-season testing, where teams work to iron out issues before the competitive action commences. For Mercedes and Antonelli, addressing this mechanical concern will be paramount as the team looks to fine-tune its package ahead of the opening rounds of the 2026 season.

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Related Regulations

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sporting Regulations

Art. B11.2.7

Art. B11.2

technical Regulations

Art. C8.14.3

Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.

Full Regulation Text

Sporting Regulations

Article B11.2.7

FIA Source

TCC Opportunities

Chapter: B

In Simple Terms

Teams are limited to specific testing opportunities throughout the year: one private 5-day test and two public 3-day tests before the season starts, plus a 1-day test after the season ends. They can also do tire testing (up to 40 car days) and one 1-day substitute driver test. These rules prevent teams from gaining unfair advantages through excessive testing.

Pre-season testing limited to one 5-day private test and two 3-day public tests
Post-season testing restricted to one 1-day test only
Out-of-competition tire testing capped at 40 car days maximum
One additional 1-day test allowed for substitute drivers

Official FIA Text

TCC limited to pre-season private collective testing (one 5-day test), pre-season public collective testing (two 3-day tests), post-season test (one 1-day test), out-of-competition tyre testing (maximum 40 car days), and substitute driver test (one 1-day test).

tcc testingcollective testingpre-season testingpost-season testingtire testing

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B11.2

FIA Source

Provisions for TCC

Chapter: B

In Simple Terms

TCC (Testing of Current Cars) sessions on European tracks are limited to a maximum of 9 hours per day, running between 9 AM and 7 PM. Only current-season F1 cars can be used (except for special tire testing), and drivers without a super license must use cars with a blue-green rear light.

TCC sessions on European circuits limited to maximum 9 hours daily between 09:00-19:00
Only current F1 cars permitted, except during out-of-competition tire testing
Non-super license drivers must use cars equipped with blue-green rear light
TCC restricted to specific testing types: pre-season testing, post-season test, tire testing, and substitute driver tests

Official FIA Text

TCC running limited to maximum nine hours between 09:00 and 19:00 on European circuits. Only current cars permitted except for out-of-competition tyre testing. Cars driven by non-super licence holders must have blue-green rear light. TCC limited to pre-season private/public collective testing, post-season test, out-of-competition tyre testing, and substitute driver test.

tcctesting of current carscollective testingeuropean circuitssuper license

2026 Season Regulations

Technical Regulations

Article C8.14.3

FIA Source

Ride height adjustment prohibition

Chapter: C8

In Simple Terms

During testing, F1 teams cannot use any special systems or devices to change their car's ride height unless those systems follow the official F1 technical rules. This rule ensures fair competition and prevents teams from using prohibited modifications that wouldn't be allowed in actual races.

Teams are prohibited from using any ride height adjustment systems during testing that don't comply with Article C10 technical regulations
This applies specifically to testing sessions, ensuring teams don't develop illegal modifications away from race scrutiny
Article C10 defines what ride height adjustment methods are officially permitted in F1
The prohibition covers any device or system, not just active suspension or specific technologies