Year Of The Horse? Ferrari Bolt To The Front As Leclerc Leads In F1 Testing

Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 23:36 IST

F1 Testing Round-Up: Leclerc leads Ferrari to the fastest time in Bahrain, Lindblad sets a lap record for Racing Bulls, and Aston Martin struggle with engine issues.

Well, it is the year of the horse. So perhaps it’s only fitting that Ferrari are the first out of the gate.

Pre-season testing for 2026 is in the books. The stopwatch has spoken. And for now, the prancing horse is setting the pace.

Charles Leclerc topped the final day of 2026 F1 testing in Bahrain, setting the fastest time of the entire three-day second test as teams wrapped up preparations for the season opener in Australia.

The Ferrari driver clocked a 1:31.992 — 0.879 seconds quicker than reigning world champion Lando Norris in second. Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull, 1.117 off the pace, with Mercedes’ George Russell fourth.

Leclerc completed 132 laps of the Sakhir circuit during a full day in the SF-26, while seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton watched from the garage.

Lindblad’s Marathon Effort

The day’s endurance prize went to Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad. The 18-year-old pounded out 165 laps: a new single-day Bahrain testing record, eclipsing the previous mark of 161 set by Oscar Piastri.

Lindblad finished ninth overall, but the mileage spoke volumes about both reliability and confidence in the Red Bull-powered package.

Behind the frontrunners, Pierre Gasly was fifth for Alpine, Ollie Bearman sixth for Haas, and Gabriel Bortoleto seventh for the Audi works team that replaces Sauber on this year’s grid.

Aston Martin’s Troubles Deepen

While Ferrari and Racing Bulls logged serious miles, Aston Martin endured a miserable final day.

After a Honda power unit battery issue curtailed Fernando Alonso’s running on Thursday, Lance Stroll managed just six installation laps on Friday, and failed to set a timed lap.

Honda confirmed the battery-related issue had forced a “very limited" programme, capping a frustrating winter for the Silverstone-based squad.

All Eyes on Melbourne

With testing complete, attention now shifts to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 8 — the first of a 24-round calendar.

Ferrari leave Bahrain with bragging rights. Racing Bulls leave with mileage. The real answers, though, will come when the lights go out.

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