F1 testing begins in Bahrain with new tech and new rules to contend with

SAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) — Formula 1 testing began in Bahrain on Wednesday as preparations for the new season gather pace.

Teams will be given around eight hours of track time as drivers get to grips with the cars they'll be racing during the 2026 campaign with changes to technology and rules.

The reliability of the cars will be put to the test over a total of six days on the track over the next two weeks, with the first race of the season taking place in Australia next month.

These tests could be crucial, given the sweeping changes to cars this year making them shorter, narrower and lighter. It's all to do with aerodynamics, with narrower tires and changes to wings and floors of the cars.

There is an “overtake” button, which can be used when cars are within one second of the vehicle in front. F1 says it gives drivers “access to extra electrical energy.”

The maximum power button has been renamed the “Boost” button.

Engines are now about a 50-50 split between petrol and electric, which F1 says makes them “more road relevant”.

McLaren driver Lando Norris won his first Formula 1 title last season.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen posted the best time of the morning session with 1m 35.433s.

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll of Canada gets pushed back into his garage during a Formula One pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain arrives for a Formula One pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll of Canada steers his car during a Formula One pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia steers his car during a Formula One pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Haas driver Esteban Ocon of France steers his car during a Formula One pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

PHILADELPHIA & FRANKFURT, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 11, 2026--

Renovus Capital Partners (“Renovus”), a Philadelphia-area based investment firm, today announced that Niklas Kuhlmann has joined the firm as Director of Investor Relations and Capital Formation, EMEA.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260211251995/en/

In this role, Mr. Kuhlmann will lead Renovus’ investor relations and capital formation efforts across Europe and Asia supporting the firm’s deepening relationships with institutional investors in the international markets.

Mr. Kuhlmann brings more than a decade of experience in private markets fundraising and institutional sales. Prior to joining Renovus, he held senior fundraising and business development roles at Selinus Capital, Hamilton Lane, and DWS Group, where he worked extensively with pension funds, family offices, insurance companies, banks, endowments, and consultants across the DACH region and broader Europe.

“Niklas’ appointment reflects the continued momentum of our platform and the growing interest we see from global institutions,” said Atif Gilani, Founding Partner at Renovus Capital Partners. “His experience and relationships will be instrumental as we broaden Renovus’ presence across Europe and Asia and continue to scale our capital base.”

“Renovus is at an exciting inflection point,” said Mr. Kuhlmann. “The firm’s focus on U.S. small-cap buyouts, combined with its operationally driven value creation approach and strong investor outcomes, resonates deeply with international investors seeking long-term, multi-fund partnerships with best-in-class general partners.”

Mr. Kuhlmann holds an MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking from EDHEC Business School and a BSc in International Business from Maastricht University. He is a CAIA charterholder and is based in Frankfurt, Germany.

About Renovus Capital Partners

Founded in 2010, Renovus Capital Partners is a lower middle-market private equity firm specializing in the Knowledge and Talent industries. From its base in the Philadelphia area, Renovus manages over $2 billion of assets across its several sector-focused funds. The firm's current portfolio includes over 30 U.S.-based businesses specializing in education and workforce development and services companies in the technology, healthcare, and professional services markets. Renovus typically makes control buyout investments in founder-owned businesses, leveraging its industry expertise and operator network to make operational improvements, recruit top talent and pursue add-on acquisitions. Visit us at www.renovuscapital.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Niklas Kuhlmann, Renovus Capital Partners