SAKHIR, Bahrain – Charles Leclerc of Ferrari concluded Formula 1 preseason testing in Bahrain with the fastest lap time, setting a benchmark of 1:31.992 on the C4 compound tire during the final hour of the six-day session. The performance signals a potentially strong start for the Scuderia as the sport enters a new era with all-new cars and power units. This result, achieved on Saturday, February 21, 2026, underscores Ferrari’s early advantage heading into the upcoming season, a topic of much discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Leclerc’s blistering time was eight-tenths of a second faster than the previous best set by Kimi Antonelli the day before, demonstrating significant gains made by the Ferrari team. The focus of these tests wasn’t solely on outright speed, but also on gathering crucial data for the new regulations and Pirelli tires. Understanding tire performance and car setup will be paramount as the teams prepare for the first race of the season.
Ferrari Sets the Pace in Bahrain
The final day of testing saw Leclerc consistently at the top of the timesheets, showcasing the potential of the SF-26. Behind Leclerc, Lando Norris of McLaren-Mercedes posted a 1:32.871 on the C3 compound, finishing second fastest, 0.879 seconds behind. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, managed a 1:33.109 in the Red Bull RB22, also on the C3 tire, placing him third, a substantial 1.117 seconds off Leclerc’s pace. George Russell rounded out the top four for Mercedes with a time of 1:33.197, also utilizing the C3 compound.
Testing Insights and Tire Compounds
The varied tire compounds used during the test provide additional layers of analysis. While Leclerc’s fastest time was achieved on the C4 tire, Norris, Verstappen, and Russell all set their times on the C3 compound. This suggests that the C4 tire offers a performance advantage, but also potentially comes with increased degradation. Pierre Gasly of Alpine set his best time of the day on the C5 compound, clocking in at 1:33.421. The different tire strategies employed by each team highlight the complexities of optimizing performance for the upcoming races.
| Pos | Driver | Team | Time | Tires | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:31.992 | C4 | 132 |
| 2 | Norris | McLaren | 1:32.871 | C3 | 47 |
| 3 | Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:33.109 | Prototype (C3) | 65 |
| 4 | Russell | Mercedes | 1:33.197 | Prototype (C3) | 82 |
| 5 | Gasly | Alpine | 1:33.421 | C5 | 118 |
| 6 | Bearman | Haas | 1:33.487 | C4 | 88 |
| 7 | Bortoleto | Audi | 1:33.755 | C4 | 71 |
| 8 | Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:33.916 | C3 | 49 |
| 9 | Lindblad | Racing Bulls | 1:34.149 | C4 | 165 |
| 10 | Sainz | Williams | 1:34.342 | C5 | 141 |
| 11 | Piastri | McLaren | 1:34.352 | C4 | 66 |
| 12 | Ocon | Haas | 1:34.445 | Prototype (C3) | 82 |
| 13 | Hadjar | Red Bull | 1:34.564 | C3 | 59 |
| 14 | Bottas | Cadillac | 1:34.690 | C3 | 38 |
| 15 | Hulkenberg | Audi | 1:34.769 | C3 | 64 |
| 16 | Perez | Cadillac | 1:35.842 | C1 | 61 |
| 17 | Stroll | Aston Martin | – | C3 | 6 |
What the Testing Reveals
Beyond the headline lap times, the testing period provided valuable insights into the reliability and performance of the new cars. Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bulls completed the most laps, with an impressive 165 tours of the Sakhir circuit, indicating a strong level of mechanical stability. However, it’s key to note that lap counts don’t always tell the full story, as teams often prioritize different aspects of testing. The performance of the new Audi team, with Bortoleto finishing seventh, is also noteworthy as they continue to integrate into the Formula 1 landscape.
The preseason tests in Bahrain have concluded, but the work is far from over for the teams. Engineers will now meticulously analyze the data collected, refining car setups and strategies in preparation for the season opener. The first race of the 2026 Formula 1 season is scheduled for March 15th in Australia, where we will see if Ferrari’s promising pace translates into race-winning performance. Pirelli has provided detailed analysis of the tire performance during the tests.
The coming weeks will be crucial as teams finalize their preparations and transport equipment to Melbourne. The Australian Grand Prix will provide the first real indication of the competitive order and the effectiveness of the development work undertaken during the winter months. Fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see if Ferrari can maintain its momentum and challenge for the championship.
What are your thoughts on Ferrari’s performance during testing? Share your predictions for the upcoming season in the comments below.
