2026 F1 Pre-Season Test 2 – Bahrain
George Russell sets the pace on Day 1
Lap times improved further on the opening day of the second pre-season test in Bahrain. Topping the timesheets was George Russell (Mercedes) with a 1:33.459, followed closely by Oscar Piastri (McLaren) at 1:33.469, exactly two-tenths quicker than the best time set by Kimi Antonelli last week. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) was unable to match the Australian’s lap, finishing 0.270 seconds adrift.
Ambient temperatures were slightly cooler than last Friday, although track temperatures still peaked at 44°C (111°F). Air temperatures ranged from a low of 24°C (75°F) to a high of 31°C (88°F). Track action resumes tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.
Mercedes Fastest on Day 2 — This Time Antonelli
A Mercedes driver once again set the overall fastest time of pre-season testing in Bahrain.
For the first time, every compound in the range was utilized, including the softest C5, which had previously been requested by only four teams.
At the end of Day 5 overall (Day 2 of this test), Kimi Antonelli recorded a 1:32.803, beating teammate George Russell, who had lowered the benchmark for the field the day before.
In fact, that mark was surpassed by four more drivers, highlighting the progress teams have made. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) posted a 1:32.861, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) a 1:33.162, Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) a 1:33.408, and Lando Norris (McLaren) a 1:33.453.
A total of 1,311 laps were completed on a track that reached a peak temperature of 45°C (113°F).
Charles Leclerc Tops Final Day as Pre-Season Testing Concludes
The outright fastest time of the six-day pre-season test in Bahrain was set during the final hour at the Sakhir circuit on the new Pirelli tires.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) improved on yesterday’s benchmark set by Kimi Antonelli by eight-tenths of a second, closing out two weeks of running with a 1:31.992 on the C4 compound.
The Monegasque finished ahead of Lando Norris (McLaren), who clocked a 1:32.871, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) at 1:33.109, and George Russell (Mercedes) with a 1:33.197. All three ran on the C3 compound but failed to beat the fastest time on that tire, which was also held by Leclerc at 1:32.655. Behind them, Pierre Gasly recorded his best time of the day on the softest (C5) compound, stopping the clock at 1:33.421.
Disclaimer
Excerpts and media courtesy of Pirelli S.p.A. and the official Formula 1 team press offices. All images are provided via Getty Images through the respective team media platforms and are credited to their rightful copyright holders. Used for editorial purposes only. Not for sale.
