The 2026 Formula 1 season is gearing up for a thrilling start, with testing in the books and teams eager to hit the track. This year's changes in regulations have shaken things up, leaving fans and teams alike on the edge of their seats.
After the initial shakedown in Barcelona, the final testing phase took place in Bahrain, offering teams a last chance to fine-tune their machines before the season kicks off in Melbourne on March 8th. With 11 teams on the grid for the first time in a decade, the competition is set to be fierce.
Mercedes emerged as the workhorse of the testing days, clocking in 407 laps at the Bahrain International Circuit. Racing Bulls matched their lap count, while Haas was close behind with 404. On the flip side, Aston Martin struggled significantly, both in terms of speed and track time, prompting fans to express concerns about their prospects this season.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped the speed charts, showing impressive pace. Kimi Antonelli for Mercedes wasn't far behind, maintaining his strong pre-season form.
Oscar Piastri secured the third-fastest lap, just edging out reigning champion Lando Norris. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, delivered a solid performance, securing the fifth spot.
George Russell of Mercedes, who dazzled in last week’s testing, came in sixth, with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton following in seventh. Newcomers Cadillac faced a tough time, as Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas landed in 19th and 20th positions. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso found themselves at the bottom, indicating a challenging road ahead.
Charles Leclerc, despite leading the pack, remains grounded. "The test day was very smooth, we ran through our programme and tested all the things we planned to," he shared with the media.
He emphasized that the true competitive landscape remains uncertain as teams often mask their real performance during testing. Leclerc is focused on building momentum step by step and maximizing the car's potential.
As testing wraps up, all eyes are on Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix. The Albert Park circuit will be the true test, where strategies and setups face the ultimate challenge.
While Mercedes shows promise, McLaren exudes quiet confidence, and Red Bull remains a constant threat, the real action begins when the lights go out. After months of preparation and anticipation, Formula 1's new era is ready to roar into action for 2026.