Leclerc Leads Ferrari's Dominance in Bahrain Testing 2026

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc delivered a statement performance at the conclusion of the Formula 1 Aramco Pre-Season Testing 2026, setting the fastest overall time across six days of running at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.

Driving the Ferrari SF-26 under the floodlights in the final afternoon session, Leclerc clocked a 1:31.992 — the only lap of the test to break the 1:32.000 barrier. The session wrapped up with a practice start along the main straight as teams shifted focus to the upcoming F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026, scheduled for April 10–12.

Leclerc leads competitive field in Bahrain testing

Leclerc completed 132 laps on the final day, finishing 0.879 seconds ahead of reigning Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion Lando Norris. Norris took over driving duties from McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri following the morning session.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen placed third for Red Bull Racing, 1.117 seconds off Leclerc’s benchmark time. George Russell secured fourth for Mercedes, while Pierre Gasly completed the top five for Alpine.

Rounding out the top ten were Oliver Bearman (Haas), Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) and Carlos Sainz Jr. (Williams). Lindblad logged 165 laps — the highest tally of the final day — underlining the emphasis on mileage and data collection.

Other drivers participating in the closing sessions included Piastri, Esteban Ocon (Haas), Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing), Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac), Nico Hülkenberg (Audi) and Sergio Pérez (Cadillac).

Sixth straight year of Bahrain F1 testing

The 2026 programme marked the sixth consecutive season that Sakhir has hosted Formula 1’s official pre-season testing ahead of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Teams now turn their attention to the season opener in Melbourne from March 6–8, followed by races in China and Japan before the championship returns to Bahrain for round four of the 24-race calendar.

With Ferrari showing strong pace in testing, Leclerc’s performance in Bahrain adds early intrigue to the 2026 Formula 1 title fight as teams prepare for the lights to go out on a new season.