Spotted: Carlos Alcaraz with Carlos Sainz at BIC
World No. 1 Alcaraz swaps racquets for race paddocks, meeting Spanish F1 drivers at Bahrain testing ahead of the 2026 season.
- Publish date: Friday، 13 February 2026 Reading time: two min read
World-No. 1 tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz made headlines off the court on Thursday by dropping in at the 2026 Formula 1 Aramco Pre-Season Testing at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), where he mingled with Spanish Formula 1 stars including Carlos Sainz Jr. and Fernando Alonso.
Fresh off his historic triumph at the Australian Open, where he became the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam, Alcaraz took time out from his preparations for the upcoming Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha to immerse himself in the world of motorsport.
The tennis ace, who is known for his passion for high-speed sports, visited the Williams F1 garage to catch up with compatriot Carlos Sainz Jr., who has been putting in solid mileage as his team focuses on data collection and reliability during the early stages of testing. Sainz logged a productive session for the Williams FW48 Thursday, complementing his teammate’s effort as the squad prepares for the new season’s challenges.
Alcaraz also made a stop at the Aston Martin garage to greet two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, joining him trackside as the Spaniard logged valuable laps in the AMR26 under evolving test conditions.
Photos and team social posts from the circuit captured the relaxed moments between the athletes, underlining the cross-sport camaraderie between elite competitors from tennis and Formula 1.
The Bahrain International Circuit is currently hosting the opening three-day pre-season test (February 11–13) where all 11 Formula 1 teams are running their 2026 machinery as they prepare for the first race of the season in Melbourne, Australia on March 8.
Alcaraz’s appearance not only added star power to the paddock but also highlighted his status as a global sports figure whose interests transcend his primary discipline. Fans at the circuit were treated to a unique blend of racing technology and athletic royalty as the pre-season spectacle continued.
Whether scanning the garages, sharing exchanges with Sainz and Alonso, or soaking in the buzz of Bahrain’s motorsport festival, Alcaraz’s visit offered a glimpse of sporty synergy weeks ahead of the 2026 competitive season across both his racquet and the racing grid