F1 Preseason Testing in Bahrain: Mercedes Sets the Pace, Red Bull Faces Questions
Formula 1 is back-and if the early action in Bahrain is any indication, the 2026 season is already shaping up to be a fascinating ride. Preseason testing at the Bahrain International Circuit gave us our first real look at the new cars, the new driver pairings, and the early pecking order. And while the lap times don’t count for points, they sure do give us plenty to talk about.
Let’s start with the headline: Mercedes came out swinging. Rookie Kimi Antonelli stole the show, topping the timesheets with a blistering 1m33.669s lap.
That’s not just a strong debut-that’s a statement. Right behind him was teammate George Russell, just 0.249 seconds back, making it a one-two finish for the Silver Arrows.
It’s early, but Mercedes fans have every reason to be excited.
Ferrari wasn’t far off either. Lewis Hamilton, now back in red and chasing his eighth title, slotted into third with a 1m34.209s.
Charles Leclerc followed closely behind, just 0.064 seconds off Hamilton's pace. It’s a strong showing for the Scuderia, and the intra-team battle between Hamilton and Leclerc could be one of the more compelling storylines this season.
McLaren, the reigning Constructors’ Champions, didn’t top the timesheets, but they were relentless in their work rate. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finished fifth and sixth, respectively, and while their pace didn’t match Mercedes or Ferrari, they logged 422 laps over the three-day session-tied with Williams for the most of any team.
That kind of mileage is gold in preseason testing. It means data, reliability, and a car that's already proving it can go the distance.
Speaking of Williams, they bounced back from missing last month’s private session in Barcelona by putting in serious work in Bahrain. Their FW48 finally hit the track, and while they didn’t light up the timing screens, they matched McLaren lap-for-lap. That’s a promising sign for a team still trying to climb back into midfield relevance.
On the other end of the spectrum, Red Bull had a rough week. Max Verstappen, never one to hold back, openly criticized the 2026 car regulations and even hinted at retirement.
Then he went out and posted the seventh-fastest lap. Not terrible, but not what we’re used to from the three-time world champ.
His teammate, rookie Isack Hadjar, finished 10th. In between them?
The Haas duo of Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon, who quietly had a solid test.
Red Bull’s lap count-343-was well off the leaders, thanks in part to a hydraulic leak that disrupted Thursday morning’s session. It’s not panic time yet, but for a team that’s dominated in recent years, this wasn’t the kind of start they were hoping for.
Aston Martin had an even tougher go. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll struggled for both pace and reliability, combining for the fewest laps of any team.
Alonso’s best time was only good enough for 21st, ahead of only Stroll. It’s early, but they’ve got work to do.
And then there’s Cadillac. The newest team on the grid knew this would be a development year, and the timesheets reflect that.
Sergio Perez finished 19th, while Valtteri Bottas managed 17th. The team has been upfront about their expectations, and Bahrain made it clear-this season will be about learning and building.
Here’s how the full field stacked up in terms of fastest laps:
Fastest Lap Times - Bahrain Preseason Testing 1.
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 1m33.669s
2.
George Russell (Mercedes) - 1m33.918s
3.
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 1m34.209s
4.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 1m34.273s
5.
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 1m34.549s
6.
Lando Norris (McLaren) - 1m34.669s
7.
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 1m34.798s
8.
Oliver Bearman (Haas) - 1m35.394s
9.
Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 1m35.578s
10.
Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) - 1m35.610s
11.
Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - 1m35.806s
12.
Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 1m36.291s
13.
Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 1m36.670s
14.
Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 1m36.723s
15.
Alex Albon (Williams) - 1m36.793s
16.
Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 1m36.808s
17.
Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) - 1m36.824s
18.
Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 1m37.186s
19.
Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 1m37.365s
20.
Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 1m37.470s
21.
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 1m38.248s
22.
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 1m38.165s
What’s Next?
The teams won’t have to wait long to get back on track. The second phase of testing resumes next week-again in Bahrain-before the season officially kicks off in Australia. The lights go out at Albert Park from March 6-8, and that’s when the talking stops and the racing begins.
Some teams are already looking sharp. Others have plenty to figure out.
But that’s the beauty of preseason testing-it’s not just about who’s fastest. It’s about who’s learning, who’s adapting, and who’s ready to hit the ground running when the real points are on the line.