Charles Leclerc leads Ferrari charge as 2026 F1 pre-season testing ends in Bahrain

Charles Leclerc and Scuderia Ferrari sent a strong warning to their rivals as the 2026 Formula One pre-season testing concluded in Sakhir, Bahrain. Leclerc clocked the fastest overall time of the six-day testing program, posting a blistering 1:31.992 lap on the final day, nearly nine-tenths of a second clear of reigning world champion Lando Norris.

Ferrari tops timing sheets in Bahrain

The final phase of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit offered the clearest glimpse yet of the competitive order ahead of the 2026 campaign. While testing times must always be viewed with caution due to varying fuel loads and development programs, Ferrari’s outright pace turned heads across the paddock.

Leclerc completed 132 laps on the final day, combining both speed and reliability in what appeared to be a productive session for the Maranello-based outfit. Norris, driving for McLaren, finished second overall, 0.879 seconds behind Leclerc. Despite the gap, McLaren insiders remain optimistic, suggesting the team did not fully reveal its performance potential.

Tight battle behind Ferrari

Defending champion Max Verstappen placed third for Red Bull Racing, 1.117 seconds off the benchmark time. Meanwhile, George Russell was fourth for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, continuing Mercedes’ steady and methodical build-up.

Despite not topping the timesheets, many analysts still regard Mercedes as a serious contender heading into the season opener, citing their long-run consistency and development trajectory. Pierre Gasly rounded out the top five for the Alpine F1 Team, delivering a solid 118 laps on the final day.

Final Day 3 Highlights (Second Test – Bahrain)

• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:31.992 – 132 laps

• Lando Norris (McLaren) – +0.879s – 47 laps

• Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +1.117s – 65 laps

• George Russell (Mercedes) – +1.205s – 82 laps

• Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +1.429s – 118 laps

Rookie watch: Lindblad shines

One of the standout stories of testing was rookie Arvid Lindblad, who impressed with a marathon 165 laps on the final day for Racing Bulls. His endurance and consistency drew praise, marking him as a promising talent to watch in the new season.

New era teams gain experience

Two new projects also gathered crucial mileage. Audi, which has officially taken over the Sauber operation, continued preparations for its full factory entry into Formula One. Meanwhile, the new Cadillac-backed squad, operated under the Cadillac Formula 1 team banner, logged significant laps as it gears up for its first competitive campaign.

Aston Martin faces setbacks

It was not smooth sailing for everyone. The Aston Martin F1 Team endured a frustrating conclusion to testing, managing only six untimed laps on the final day due to a shortage of power unit components. The limited running raises questions ahead of the season opener.

Next stop: Melbourne

The 2026 season of the FIA Formula One World Championship officially begins in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix. The championship will then head to China and Japan before returning to Sakhir for the Bahrain Grand Prix from 10–12 April 2026.

With Ferrari showing early pace but rivals keeping their cards close to their chest, the stage is set for what promises to be a fiercely competitive 2026 season.