F1 Testing: Ferrari stands out as Charles Leclerc records fastest time in Bahrain

Charles Leclerc capped off preseason testing for Ferrari with an impressive series of late laps in Bahrain, generating excitement regarding the Italian team’s prospects for 2026.

Leclerc concluded the final day nearly 0.9 seconds ahead of the next fastest car, driven by new world champion Lando Norris in the McLaren, a significant gap for a single lap in contemporary F1.

The performance of the red cars, highlighted by a robust race simulation in the morning from Leclerc, will attract attention as F1 approaches its season opener at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.

Throughout the last hour, Leclerc consistently recorded the fastest lap times before showcasing another rapid start off the grid at the session’s conclusion, indicating that the Italian manufacturer has made considerable advancements in this area compared to its competitors.

However, it is important to note that no one in Formula 1 believes Mercedes has revealed its full potential, either on the final day or during the entire two weeks in Bahrain, and it remains uncertain if Ferrari has done so as well.

Leclerc’s performance in the final hour ensured that Ferrari shared the spotlight on the last day of testing with the troubled Aston Martin-Honda project, which managed only six laps.

Source: espn.com