Charles Leclerc clocks quickest time at final F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain

Guardian Sport

by Giles Richards at the Bahrain International Circuit

February 20, 2026

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Charles Leclerc secured the top spot at the final Formula One pre-season test in Bahrain, setting the quickest time ahead of Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. Ferrari’s star driver completed 1 minute, 31.992 seconds around the Bahrain International Circuit, finishing eight-tenths ahead of Norris in a McLaren and one second clear of Verstappen in a Red Bull. The test marked the end of preparations before the Australian Grand Prix, with teams unleashing their cars on soft tires and lower fuel loads to push for top speeds. While Leclerc dominated the session, other teams faced challenges. Aston Martin endured a difficult day, completing just six laps due to technical issues, which raised questions about their readiness for the upcoming season. Mercedes’ George Russell finished fourth, while Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Alpine showed strong pace in fifth place. The performance of Leclerc and Ferrari suggested they remain formidable contenders, especially with the 2024 regulations set to shake up the field. This test provided valuable insights into the competitive landscape ahead of the season opener. Leclerc’s impressive lap highlighted Ferrari’s potential, while Norris’ second-place finish reaffirmed McLaren’s progress under their new engine partnership with Mercedes. Verstappen and Red Bull’s third-place result kept them in contention despite minor setbacks. The performance of teams like Aston Martin and Mercedes, however, raised eyebrows, signaling areas that need improvement before the first race. For fans of Formula One, this test underscores the intense rivalry between Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull, as well as the unpredictable nature of pre-season predictions. With just two weeks until the Australian Grand Prix, all eyes are on whether these results will hold true under race conditions or if other factors—such as tire strategies, driver performance, and track evolution—will shuffle the standings once again.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/20/2026