Leclerc Leads Antonelli & Piastri – Bahrain Test Update

Leclerc Leads Antonelli & Piastri – Bahrain Test Update

February 20, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Charles Leclerc set the fastest time during Friday’s morning testing session at the Bahrain International Circuit, clocking in at 1m 33.689s. He finished ahead of Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri, signaling a potentially strong start to the Formula 1 season for Ferrari.

Ferrari Leads the Way in Bahrain Testing

Leclerc’s lap time was over two-tenths of a second faster than Antonelli’s and six-tenths quicker than Piastri’s. This performance comes after Ferrari unveiled innovative rear wing designs on Wednesday and Thursday, which have drawn significant attention from the racing community. Leclerc also completed a full race distance during the session, allowing the team to gather valuable data.

Did You Know? Ferrari’s recent design choices, including an exhaust winglet and an ‘upside down’ rear wing, have been a focal point of discussion within the Formula 1 paddock.

Challenges for Other Teams

The morning session wasn’t without its issues for other teams. Mercedes experienced a pneumatic problem that caused a red flag, halting track time for Antonelli. McLaren also spent approximately half an hour working on the rear of their car, impacting Piastri’s running. Esteban Ocon of Haas completed a race distance and more, while Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar showed promise despite a minor off-track moment at Turn 8.

Further down the timing sheets, Pierre Gasly (Alpine) and Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) secured sixth and seventh positions, respectively. Lindblad received praise from his race engineer during a longer run. Carlos Sainz (Williams) and Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) followed, while Sergio Perez of Cadillac gradually increased his lap count after a slow start.

Aston Martin Faces Difficulties

Aston Martin encountered continued difficulties, with Fernando Alonso not appearing on track until the final 20 minutes of the session following a stoppage on Thursday afternoon. Honda, Aston Martin’s new power unit partner, confirmed a battery-related issue caused the delay, and a shortage of parts may limit running for Lance Stroll.

Expert Insight: The pre-season testing period is crucial for teams to validate designs and gather data under realistic conditions. Issues experienced by teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin now could have implications for their performance when the season begins.

Six teams are scheduled to change drivers after the lunch break. Mercedes will also fit a new power unit following Antonelli’s earlier issue. Ferrari, Williams, Racing Bulls, Aston Martin, and Alpine will maintain their current driver lineups for the afternoon session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the fastest lap time recorded on Friday morning?

Charles Leclerc posted the fastest lap time of 1m 33.689s.

Which teams experienced issues during the morning session?

Mercedes had a pneumatic issue causing a red flag, McLaren worked on the rear of their car, and Aston Martin continued to face difficulties with a battery-related problem.

Which drivers will remain in their cars for the afternoon session?

Leclerc (Ferrari), Sainz (Williams), Lindblad (Racing Bulls), Stroll (Aston Martin), and Gasly (Alpine) will continue with their respective teams in the afternoon.

As teams continue to refine their setups and gather data, will we see a reshuffling of the order in the afternoon session, or will Ferrari maintain its early advantage?