Leclerc leads Bahrain test as Red Bull, Mercedes face early setbacks

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the fastest time on the second day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, outpacing McLaren's Lando Norris. The session was marked by smooth running for the top two teams, while rivals Mercedes and Red Bull encountered significant technical issues that disrupted their programs.

Why it matters:

With new power unit and chassis regulations for 2026, pre-season reliability and mileage are more critical than ever. Ferrari and McLaren building a foundation of trouble-free laps puts them in a strong position to refine their cars, while the early setbacks for Mercedes and Red Bull—teams expected to lead the development race—could impact their preparation timeline and data gathering just weeks before the season opener.

The details:

• Leclerc's benchmark lap of 1:34.273s, set in the morning, was nearly four-tenths faster than the previous best and half a second clear of Norris's best effort on Day 2.
• Both Ferrari and McLaren completed extensive run plans. Leclerc managed 139 laps, including a full race simulation in the afternoon, while Norris tallied 149 laps.
• Mercedes' Struggle: Rookie Kimi Antonelli was sidelined for the entire morning session due to a power-unit issue, completing only three installation laps. The team recovered in the afternoon with George Russell, who logged 54 laps and finished fourth on the timesheet.
• Red Bull's Hydraulic Problem: Isack Hadjar's running was severely limited by a hydraulic leak, confining him to a single installation lap before the lunch break. He recovered to complete 87 laps in the afternoon.
• The test is part of an extended pre-season schedule designed to help teams adapt to the sweeping 2026 regulation changes.

What's next:

The first three-day test concludes on Friday, with Lewis Hamilton taking over the Ferrari for the final day of running. Teams then have a short break before a second three-day test in Bahrain from February 18-20. These final track sessions are the last opportunity to solve reliability gremlins and find performance before the competitive order is revealed at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8.