16 LECLERC Charles (mco), Scuderia Ferrari SF-26, action during the Formula 1 Aramco pre-season testing 2026 of the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship from February 18 to 20, 2026 on the Bahrain International Circuit, in Sakhir, Bahrain - Photo Alberto Vimercati / DPPI
Scuderia Ferrari wrapped up their Bahrain pre-season programme with Charles Leclerc completing an intensive full day behind the wheel of the SF-26 at the Sakhir Circuit. The Monegasque driver logged 135 laps, covering 731 kilometres, as the team closed out its final round of testing ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Over the course of the Bahrain test, Ferrari accumulated 336 laps in total, contributing to an overall pre-season tally nearing 6,200 kilometres when combined with earlier running. The focus throughout remained on development work, ensuring the team gathered as much data as possible before the season opener.
During the morning session, Leclerc concentrated on setup checks and evaluating both car balance and tyre performance. He later moved on to longer runs using the C2 and C3 compounds in hot track conditions, completing 80 laps with a best time of 1:33.689.
In the afternoon, attention shifted towards performance runs, with Leclerc using C3 and C4 tyres to push the car further. He set his fastest lap of the day—a 1:31.992—capping off a productive and demanding schedule as Ferrari finalized preparations for Melbourne.
Reflecting on the test, Leclerc emphasized that lap times don’t yet reveal the true competitive order, while team principal Fred Vasseur highlighted the importance of mileage and data collection. Both agreed that while progress has been encouraging, the real picture will only become clear when racing begins at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
About the Author
