F1 LIVE | Mercedes and Red Bull make different choices, Verstappen to miss Day 1 in Bahrain

Verstappen will not be in action on the first day of the second winter test in Bahrain, GPblog can confirm. 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, Red Bull Racing team boss Laurent Mekies will be trackside during the second pre-season test in Bahrain after being absent last week, Red Bull Racing has confirmed to GPblog. He was absent last week after undergoing a minor, routine medical surgery, this website understands.

During this week's Bahrain pre-season test, teams will be able to choose from all five dry-weather compounds.

Mercedes will stick to the three hardest compounds, similar to the first test week in Sakhir. Instead of C1s, Red Bull Racing will have two sets of C4s at its disposal

Yesterday, it was announced that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will remain on the Formula 1 calendar and will rotate with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. The Catalonian track will host Grands Prix in 2028, 2030 and 2032.

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