Formula 1’s final week of pre-season testing in Bahrain delivered drama, speed, and early signals of how the 2026 season could unfold. Under the desert lights at the Bahrain International Circuit, young talent surged to the top while established champions endured unexpected setbacks.
Mercedes continued their strong momentum as Kimi Antonelli stunned the paddock by setting the fastest time of the day. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s preparations suffered further disruption due to technical issues at Ferrari, casting uncertainty over the team’s readiness ahead of the season opener.
With just one more day of testing remaining before the Australian Grand Prix, teams pushed their cars to the limit in search of performance, reliability, and crucial data. The competitive order appears closer than ever, but not without warning signs for some of the sport’s biggest names.
Kimi Antonelli Tops the Timesheets for Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli delivered an eye-catching performance by clocking a 1:32.803 lap in the evening session, placing Mercedes at the top of the standings. The Italian teenager demonstrated maturity and pace beyond his years, building on the strong foundation set by team-mate George Russell earlier in the week.
Antonelli’s benchmark time was six tenths quicker than the previous best set by Russell, signaling that Mercedes may have made a significant step forward with their 2026 challenger. His lap came during cooler evening conditions, where grip levels improved and drivers could extract maximum performance.
More importantly, Antonelli’s run program was clean and efficient. Mercedes completed extensive mileage without major issues, reinforcing the team’s confidence as the new season approaches.
Oscar Piastri and McLaren Stay Close
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished just 0.058 seconds behind Antonelli, underlining how tight the competition is at the front. The Australian driver focused on race simulations after posting his quickest lap earlier in the day.
Alongside Lando Norris, McLaren accumulated significant mileage, suggesting strong reliability and balanced car behavior. Their consistent performance across sessions hints at a team ready to challenge regularly for podiums in 2026.
With both drivers comfortable in long-run pace and qualifying simulations, McLaren appear firmly in the fight among the leading contenders.
Max Verstappen Keeps Red Bull in the Hunt
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured third place on the timesheet, around three tenths off the benchmark. While not topping the charts, Verstappen’s focus was clearly on refining race pace and setup consistency rather than chasing headline times.
The reigning world champion completed 139 laps across both sessions, demonstrating durability and confidence in Red Bull’s package.
Though slightly behind Mercedes and McLaren in outright lap time, Red Bull’s long-run consistency suggests they remain serious title contenders heading into the new campaign.
Lewis Hamilton Faces Another Difficult Day
Lewis Hamilton endured a frustrating end to his testing program with Ferrari. After experiencing technical issues for the second consecutive day, the seven-time world champion managed only five laps in the morning session.
Although Ferrari mechanics worked quickly to resolve the issue and return him to the track, the lost running time proved costly. Hamilton ultimately finished fourth, six tenths off Antonelli’s pace, after struggling during qualifying simulations in the final hour.
Repeated minor errors under pressure highlighted the impact of limited track time, as Hamilton sought to maximize data collection before handing over duties to Charles Leclerc for the final day.
Ferrari’s Reliability Concerns Emerge
Ferrari’s pre-season had previously been smooth, but this final test exposed vulnerabilities. A rear wing component flipped unexpectedly during one run as the team experimented with active aerodynamic elements.
While the issue appeared to be part of a test program rather than a permanent feature, it added to the perception that Ferrari lost valuable mileage compared to their direct rivals.
With Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull all completing uninterrupted sessions, Ferrari’s relative lack of track time could impact early-season performance.
Mileage Comparison Among the Big Teams
| Team | Total Laps |
| Mercedes | 156 |
| McLaren | 164 |
| Red Bull | 139 |
| Ferrari | Significantly Lower Due to Issues |
The numbers highlight a clear advantage in preparation for Mercedes and McLaren, while Ferrari will aim to recover lost ground quickly.
Aston Martin and Others Encounter Setbacks
Aston Martin’s struggles continued when a power unit issue forced Fernando Alonso to stop on track, triggering a red flag. The interruption cost valuable development time and limited the team’s ability to complete long-run simulations.
Other midfield teams focused on consistency and reliability, understanding that the opening races could present unpredictable opportunities.
Testing remains a time for experimentation, but early warning signs can influence strategy before the first lights go out.
Hamilton Finds Positives Despite Disruption
Despite the challenges, Hamilton emphasized gratitude for the laps completed and the data gathered. Practice starts at the end of sessions were particularly impressive, showcasing strong launch performance as the FIA trials extended start procedures.
These promising getaways offered a glimpse of Ferrari’s potential strengths, even if overall reliability raised questions.
With Charles Leclerc scheduled to drive on the final day, Ferrari will aim to conclude testing on a stronger note.
What Antonelli’s Performance Means for 2026
Antonelli’s pace not only underscores Mercedes’ technical progress but also signals a generational shift in Formula 1. The young driver’s composure under pressure and ability to extract maximum speed in evening conditions indicate he could become a breakout star.
If Mercedes maintain this trajectory, the 2026 season may see them return to consistent front-running form after recent challenges.
For fans, Antonelli’s rise adds another compelling storyline to an already competitive grid.
Final Day Awaits Before Season Opener
The last day of Bahrain testing will provide teams with one final opportunity to refine setups before the Australian Grand Prix. With live coverage capturing every lap, attention will focus on long-run data, tire management, and reliability checks.
While lap times generate headlines, engineers will analyze fuel loads, aerodynamic stability, and race simulation consistency to shape early-season strategies.
As testing concludes, the competitive picture suggests a tight battle among Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull, with Ferrari urgently seeking answers. The stage is set for an electrifying start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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