2026 F1 Pre-Season Test: Bahrain Results Reveal Early Form

The first official pre-season test of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Bahrain has concluded, providing the initial glimpse of team performance and reliability. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the overall fastest time, while Williams completed the most laps, signaling strong early reliability. The test, which followed a closed-door shakedown in Barcelona, offered teams crucial data ahead of the new campaign.

Why it matters:

Pre-season testing times are a notoriously unreliable predictor of ultimate race pace, as teams run different programs, fuel loads, and engine modes. However, the data provides vital clues about reliability, car consistency, and which teams might have hit the ground running. High lap counts, like Williams's, suggest a stable platform, while unexpected gaps can raise eyebrows about a team's winter development.

The details:

• Leclerc leads the way: Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets for Ferrari with a 1:34.273s, set on the C3 soft tyre compound on Day 2.
• The chasing pack: Lando Norris (McLaren) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull) were within half a second of Leclerc, forming a tight top three. Haas and Mercedes slotted into a promising fourth and fifth, respectively.
• Mileage matters: Williams emerged as the busiest team, completing 276 laps over the two days, closely followed by Ferrari (271) and McLaren (261). This indicates a focus on reliability and data gathering.
• Notable performances: Rookie Ollie Bearman impressed for Haas, setting the fourth-fastest time. Conversely, Lewis Hamilton (52 laps) and highly-touted Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli (33 laps) had limited running, suggesting potential issues or a specific, limited run plan.

What's next:

The teams now enter a critical analysis period, poring over the terabytes of data collected in Bahrain. The second and final pre-season test will offer a final chance to refine setups and address any gremlins before the competitive order is truly revealed at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. The early signs point to a potentially tight battle at the front, with Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull appearing closely matched.