Formula 1 News: Leclerc’s Ferrari burns up Bahrain on last day of 2026 testing

Charles Leclerc (pictured) set the Bahrain International Circuit ablaze with an impressive performance on the final day of Formula 1’s 2026 preseason testing. Piloting the No. 16 Ferrari, the Monegasque driver clocked the quickest lap of the entire six-day session at 1:31.992s on the C4 Pirelli compound tire.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

This blistering time not only topped the day’s leaderboard but also positioned Ferrari as the frontrunner heading into the new season, which features all-new cars and power units. Leclerc was the sole driver to dip into the 1:31s range, showcasing the Scuderia’s early edge.

Related Article: Formula 1 News: Leclerc’s Ferrari tops morning times on final preseason test day

Despite strong efforts from rivals, no one could match Leclerc’s pace—though variables like fuel loads and engine modes remain unknowns. Lando Norris came closest in the No. 1 McLaren-Mercedes MCL40, posting a 1:32.871s on the C3 compound, 0.879s adrift.

Max Verstappen followed in third aboard the No. 3 Red Bull RB22 with a 1:33.109s, a substantial 1.117s behind the leader. If this represents Red Bull’s peak performance, the team could be facing an uphill battle.

George Russell, potentially still conserving pace in the No. 63 Mercedes, secured fourth at 1:33.197s—1.205s off Leclerc’s pace.

Pierre Gasly completed the top five for Alpine with a 1:33.421s, trailing by 1.429s.

The top 10 was rounded out by Haas’ Ollie Bearman (1:33.487s), Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto (1:33.755s), Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli (1:33.916s), Racing Bulls-Ford’s Arvid Lindblad (1:34.149s), and Williams’ Carlos Sainz (1:34.342s).

Lindblad achieved the day’s highest lap count with 165 tours of the circuit. Oscar Piastri placed 11th in the McLaren (1:34.352s), followed by Haas’ Esteban Ocon (1:34.494s) and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar (1:34.511s).

Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas was 14th (1:35.290s), with Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg in 15th (1:36.019s) and Cadillac’s Sergio Perez in 16th (1:40.842s).

Aston Martin’s program wrapped up with Lance Stroll back in the AMR26, but the team faced limitations. A battery issue from Fernando Alonso’s Thursday session, confirmed by Honda, restricted running. Simulations were conducted at HRC Sakura, but due to power unit part shortages, Stroll’s plan was confined to short stints, starting late in the morning. He completed just six laps without setting a time.

As with the prior days, a new practice race start lights procedure was trialed before the session’s end.

Bahrain Week 2 Day 3 Preseason Test Times