George Russell set the fastest time on the first day of Formula 1's second 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain, edging out McLaren's Oscar Piastri by just 0.01 seconds. Mercedes completed the most laps amid technical troubles for several teams including Ferrari, Red Bull, Aston Martin and Cadillac. A simulated start procedure at the end of the day proceeded without issues.
The Bahrain International Circuit hosted the opening day of the second pre-season test for the 2026 Formula 1 season on Wednesday, with teams fine-tuning their new machinery ahead of the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8.
In the morning session, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc posted the quickest lap of 1m33.739s on prototype tyres, 0.313s ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and 0.419s clear of Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Leclerc's time was 0.070s slower than Antonelli's benchmark from the previous week's test. Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad led lap counts with 75 tours, while Red Bull's Isack Hadjar was limited to 13 laps due to an engine coolant circuit pressure problem.
The afternoon saw times improve significantly. McLaren's Oscar Piastri set a 1m33.469s on C3 tyres, bettering Leclerc by 0.270s and topping the sheets temporarily. Mercedes' George Russell then responded with a 1m33.459s, also on C3 rubber, pipping Piastri by 0.01s—0.210s faster than Antonelli's prior best. Norris and Antonelli completed the top five, with Hadjar sixth at 1m34.260s after a full-day total of 66 laps.
Technical issues plagued four teams. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton managed only 44 laps, spending 90 minutes in the garage for an unspecified problem. Aston Martin dealt with a power unit issue that sidelined them for four hours, followed by Lance Stroll's spin into Turn 10 gravel, triggering a red flag and limiting the team to 54 laps total—though improving from 1m38.165s to 1m35.974s. Cadillac faced sensor problems, with Sergio Perez on 24 laps and Valtteri Bottas on 35, recording no competitive times. Red Bull's morning woes persisted but Hadjar recovered somewhat.
Midfield gaps remained wide, with Williams' Carlos Sainz fifth-fastest at 1m35.113s, 1.654s off Piastri. Alpine, Audi and Racing Bulls trailed by 1.795s, 1.804s and 2.294s respectively via Franco Colapinto, Gabriel Bortoleto and Liam Lawson.
To address concerns over the new engines' start procedures—due to increased turbo lag without the MGU-H—a simulated sequence ended the day successfully, with no cars stalling after a five-second blue light warning. Mercedes topped mileage with 145 laps across Russell (76) and Antonelli (69), followed by Audi's 146.
Hamilton noted the cars feel 'more fun' to drive compared to 2025, citing easier corrections despite reduced downforce.
