How to watch F1 preseason testing: TV channel, streaming, time, schedule for Bahrain test as Formula 1 returns

Formula 1 fans can get a first proper glimpse at the constructors' new cars and how they're shaping up for the 2023 season at this weekend's three-day testing event in Bahrain.

After a major overhaul of the technical regulations in 2022, there are more tweaks made this time around, the main one being to have the car floors raised by 15mm on safety grounds, to attempt to solve the porpoising problem that was a big technical issue last year.

Most of the teams have already revealed their new cars ahead of the test event, but it's time for them to be put through their paces. It will be especially interesting to see how Red Bull and reigning champion Max Verstappen fare after the team was hit with a $7 million fine and 10% cut in aerodynamic testing time.

It should make for interesting viewing ahead of an intriguing 2023 season. The Sporting News goes through the details on the preseason testing event and how you can watch it.

MORE: F1 preseason testing: Live results, schedule, fastest lap times

F1 preseason testing: Live stream, TV channel

Fans around the world can subscribe to F1TV online to watch all practice, qualifying and grand prix events, as well as the testing in Bahrain.

Otherwise, here's how to follow the F1 preseason testing around the world:

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F1 preseason testing: Key dates, start time and schedule

The event takes place between February 23 and 25, each day starting at 10am local time and finishing at 7.30pm.

That equates to 7am (GMT) for UK viewers, 2am (ET) in the United States and Canada, 12.30pm (IST) and 3pm for those in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. That translates to 6pm AEDT and 8pm NZDT.

• Day 1: Thursday 23 February
• Day 2: Friday 24 February
• Day 3: Saturday 25 February

THE 2023 GRID IS COMPLETE! ✅

Bring on the season, we're ready! 💪#F1 pic.twitter.com/FdT15YF7M2

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 16, 2023

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F1 preseason testing: Lineup of teams and drivers

Below are the teams that will be participating in the F1 preseason testing event – and of course in the full season after that. Not all teams, at the time of writing, have yet confirmed which driver from each team will take the morning session and which the afternoon.

The big headline going into the testing is that Lance Stroll will miss the event after a training accident. Aston Martin could allow Fernando Alonso to complete the full test in Stroll’s absence, or call upon reserves Stoffel Vandoorne or Felipe Drugovich.

NEWS: @lance_stroll to miss pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Read more. ⬇️

— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) February 20, 2023

Confirmed schedule (selected F1 teams)

Red Bull

Thursday: Verstappen
Friday: Verstappen/Perez
Saturday: Perez

Haas

Thursday: Hulkenberg/Magnussen
Friday: Magnussen/Hulkenberg
Saturday:  Hulkenberg/Magnussen

AlphaTauri

Thursday: Tsunoda/De Vries
Friday: Tsunoda/De Vries
Saturday: De Vries/Tsunoda

Eyes down 😀#F1Testing starts Feb 23! 🗓#F1 pic.twitter.com/AEEAvzSXcz

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 20, 2023

What can we expect from F1 preseason testing?

A fast car in preseason doesn't always mean you will have pace when the racing gets underway. This event is simply an opportunity for teams and drivers to get an on-track time from which to tweak and prepare their cars for the new season.

The 5.412km track at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir will see all the teams trying to get up to speed – quite literally – over three sessions.

It's often been said in recent years that a reliable car in pre-season testing is a major acid test for teams – the point from they can work on improving the car's system and speed.