Mercedes and Ferrari show pace in validated Bahrain pre‑season testing
Leclerc and Antonelli among fastest in early 2026 F1 run as teams prioritise reliability and data gathering
SAKHIR, Bahrain (MNTV) — Formula 1 teams continued pre‑season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit with Mercedes and Ferrari standing out in verified timing sheets from the first official 2026 test, underscoring early promise from multiple top outfits ahead of the season opener in Australia.
During the three‑day first test, Mercedes drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell ended Friday’s running with a one‑two on the timesheets, with Antonelli setting a fastest lap of 1 min 33.669 sec and Russell close behind, according to official team timing summaries.
Mercedes’ performance came after Lando Norris of McLaren led the times on the opening day, showing early competitive balance among the leading teams.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari also featured strongly, topping the timesheets on the second day with a 1 min 34.273 sec lap while completing significant mileage, as reported by independent testing coverage.
McLaren’s Norris and Haas’s Oliver Bearman posted competitive lap times on day two, highlighting solid programs by both teams during the early phase of testing.
Teams used the Bahrain test primarily to gather data, assess reliability and develop baseline setups for the new technical regulations taking effect in 2026.
These rules include major changes to power unit architecture, hybrid energy deployment and aerodynamic concepts, intended to improve racing quality while advancing sustainability goals under FIA guidance.
While comprehensive lap totals are often provisional in early testing coverage, multiple sources confirm extended running and mileage logged by most teams as they worked through reliability programs.
Official Formula 1 documentation notes that the first Bahrain test runs ahead of a second scheduled test in Bahrain later this month, allowing teams further opportunity to refine performance before the first Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6–8.
Analysts caution that pre‑season lap times do not necessarily reflect true competitive order, as teams vary fuel loads, tyre compounds and testing objectives across sessions.
Nonetheless, the early data from Bahrain suggests a closely contested field at the top, with Mercedes and Ferrari among those showing strong pace under the new era of regulations.
As work continues ahead of the Australian season opener, teams will interpret testing results in the context of long‑term performance and adaptability to the sweeping changes in car design and energy systems introduced for 2026.
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