F1 Today | Verstappen to miss first day of Bahrain test, Red Bull provides Mekies update

Verstappen will not be in action on the first day of the second winter test in Bahrain, GPblog can confirm. The Dutchman's teammate, Isack Hadjar, will sit in the RB22 both during the morning and afternoon sessions on Day 1.

The four-time world champion will only take to the track for the first time on Thursday.

Moreover, team boss Laurent Mekies will be trackside during the second pre-season test in Bahrain after being absent for medical reasons last week, Red Bull Racing has confirmed to GPblog. He was absent last week after undergoing a minor, routine medical surgery, GPblog understands.

It was announced today that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will remain on the Formula 1 calendar and will rotate with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

This means that after 2026, the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix will be held in 2028, 2030 and 2032.

What could this mean for other tracks around the world? Read more here to find out!