Formula 1 2026: Charles Leclerc Shatters Records on Final Day of Bahrain Testing!
In a breathtaking display of speed and skill, Charles Leclerc has left the competition in the dust during the final morning session of Formula 1's pre-season testing in Bahrain. The Monegasque superstar clocked an astonishing lap time of 1:33.689s, firmly establishing himself as the driver to beat as he steered his Ferrari to the top of the leaderboard.
Leclerc’s blistering pace was a full two-tenths quicker than his closest rival, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who managed to secure second place with a time of 1:33.916s. But the morning was not without drama; Antonelli’s Mercedes suffered a significant setback when it lost pneumatic pressure, forcing the session to halt temporarily as the team scrambled to address the issue.
Oscar Piastri, the rising star from McLaren, showcased impressive potential as he clinched third place, finishing just four-tenths shy of Leclerc's blazing time. Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon demonstrated Haas' growing capabilities by rounding out the top four, racking up an impressive 82 laps—more than any other driver on the track.
However, not all teams enjoyed a smooth morning. Aston Martin faced a challenging session as power unit problems from previous days continued to plague Lance Stroll. The Canadian driver managed only a meager two laps, leaving team fans and management anxious about their performance ahead of the season.
As the dust settles on Bahrain, the stage is set for an electrifying 2026 season. Here's how the drivers fared in the morning session:
Morning Session Results:
1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:33.689s – 80 laps 2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:33.916s – 74 laps 3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:34.352s – 66 laps 4. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 1:34.494s – 82 laps 5. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) – 1:34.511s – 59 laps 6. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1:34.846s – 57 laps 7. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) – 1:35.238s – 78 laps 8. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 1:35.252s – 66 laps 9. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) – 1:36.019s – 64 laps 10. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) – 1:40.842s – 36 laps 11. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – No time – 2 laps
With Leclerc setting the pace and the competition heating up, fans can only anticipate what the upcoming season will bring. The excitement is palpable as teams prepare to battle it out on the world stage—who will rise to the challenge and who will falter? Stay tuned as the Formula 1 saga unfolds!








