News Summary
- F1 has confirmed pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 24-27, 2027
- Testing expands from the traditional three days to four for next season
- F1 returns to a single pre-season test after the expanded programme used ahead of 2026
Formula 1 has officially confirmed that 2027 pre-season testing will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 24-27, giving teams four days of running before the new championship begins.
The dates were confirmed alongside the full 2027 F1 calendar, which features 24 Grands Prix and a record 10 Sprint weekends. Bahrain will also host the opening round of the season from March 12-14, leaving teams two weeks between the end of testing and the first race.
Why does F1 have four days of testing in 2027?
The FIA approved an increase in pre-season testing from three to four days earlier in 2026, citing the complexity of the current generation of Formula 1 cars.
It represents a significant reduction in overall testing compared with the exceptional programme used ahead of the 2026 season. With completely new chassis and power-unit regulations coming into force, F1 scheduled three separate tests: a private five-day session at Barcelona followed by two three-day tests in Bahrain.
From 2027, Formula 1 returns to a single pre-season test. The difference from the traditional format is that teams receive four days of track time rather than three.
Bahrain consequently becomes the centre of F1 preparations for the new season. Teams will test there from Wednesday February 24 through Saturday February 27 before returning to the same circuit for the opening Grand Prix two weeks later.
When does the 2027 F1 season start?
The Bahrain GP takes place from March 12-14 and opens the championship for the first time since 2024. Saudi Arabia follows immediately on March 19-21 before F1 begins a three-race run through Australia, Japan and China in April.
The return to Bahrain as the opening race also makes the pre-season schedule considerably simpler logistically. Cars and equipment can remain in the region after testing rather than immediately being transported to another continent for round one.
The 2027 championship then runs until December 12, when Abu Dhabi hosts the final race of the 24-round season.
GRANDE PRÊMIO continues to follow preparations for next season through its Formula 1 coverage.
FAQ
When is F1 pre-season testing in 2027?
Formula 1 pre-season testing will take place from February 24-27, 2027 at the Bahrain International Circuit.
How many days of F1 testing will there be in 2027?
There will be four days of official pre-season testing. The FIA increased the duration from three to four days because of the complexity of the current generation of F1 cars.
When is the first F1 race of 2027?
The 2027 F1 season begins with the Bahrain GP from March 12-14. Saudi Arabia follows one week later from March 19-21.
