F1 testing 2026 live: Charles Leclerc fastest on final day in Bahrain
Follow live F1 coverage from the Bahrain International Circuit at the final test before the 2026 season takes place
The 2026 Formula 1 season is a fortnight away from starting in Australia and the teams and drivers will be making their final checks at this week’s final pre-season test in Bahrain.
With new engine and chassis regulations this season, the grid has already undertaken eight days of testing - five in a private format in Barcelona and three last week in Bahrain. This final three-day event is the final action before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 6-8 March.
Mercedes came out the strongest from Barcelona but Red Bull, in partnership with new engine partner Ford, were impressive last week in Sakhir, despite Max Verstappen describing this new generation of car as “anti-racing” and “like Formula E on steroids.” Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was also among the drivers unimpressed by aspects of the new machinery.
Further discussions will be taking place between all 11 teams and the FIA this week over a myriad of issues, including the ongoing engine compression row and the safety of race starts, as the new campaign draws ever closer.
Follow live updates from F1 pre-season testing with The Independent
Only three cars in for practice start
Ocon, Hadjar and Piastri are the only cars lining up for the new practice start procedure at the end of the session.
Interesting - you’d have thought as many drivers as possible would like to practice with the new ‘five-second blue warning’ light.
Let’s see how this one goes...
Lance Stroll out the garage
One solitary lap for Stroll, as he finally leaves the garage this morning.
It’s been a tumultuous testing period for Aston Martin - and a new blow today with the news that engine partner Honda can’t support long runs at the moment...
NEWS: Stefano Domenicali hints at return of much-loved F1 race for 2027: ‘Stay tuned’
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has hinted that Turkey is set to return to the calendar next year.
The popular race at Istanbul Park has not been on the sport’s schedule since 2021, when Valtteri Bottas won the grand prix in wet conditions. In total, there have been nine events at the 14-turn circuit, with its debut race back in 2005.
More below:
Stefano Domenicali hints at return of much-loved F1 race for 2027: ‘Stay tuned’
Charles Leclerc leads the way on lap count
Top of the leaderboard with less than an hour to go - and top of the lap count too!
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 64
- Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 57
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 50
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 49
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 49
- Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 49
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 48
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) - 38
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 38
- Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 29
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 0
Honda release statement
Aston Martin’s new power unit partner have encountered issues and, now, they’ve released a statement.
“Our last run with Fernando Alonso yesterday showed a battery-related issue that impacted our test plan with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.
“Since then, we have been carrying out simulations on the test bench in HRC Sakura. Due to this and a shortage of power unit parts, we have adapted today’s run plan to be very limited and consist only of short stints.”
Gosh...
Green flag
A quick recovery for the car off track and we’re back underway, with Cadillac’s Sergio Perez straight out.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll remains in the garage...
Kimi Antonelli stops on track
How odd!
The Mercedes driver seems to just completely lose power, coming out of turn 10, and stops at the side of the track.
He’s out of the car and the marshals are on the circuit ready to wheel the car away.
Strange one for Mercedes...
NEWS: F1 trials unique ‘blue warning’ race start at Bahrain pre-season testing
Formula 1 has trialled a new race start procedure – involving flashing blue grid panels – at pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Following discussions in a meeting of the F1 Commission on Wednesday, 10 cars trialled a fresh procedure on Wednesday, with a “five-second, blue pre-start warning” before the usual five red lights illuminate and vanish.
The drivers completed two formation laps before setting up on the grid and undertaking the new protocol. With noisy revving engines, all 10 cars moved off the line, with some experiencing more wheelspin than others. Further trials will take place on Thursday and Friday.
F1 trials unique ‘blue warning’ race start at Bahrain pre-season testing
Lewis Hamilton feels in ‘best place personally’ ahead of 2026 F1 season
Lewis Hamilton believes he is in the best place he has been for a long time and is excited by his prospects ahead of the new Formula One season.
The seven-time world champion endured a difficult debut season with Ferrari, failing to secure a podium as he finished sixth in the standings.
Hamilton’s end to the season was particularly challenging as he did not qualify higher than 13th in the final four races.
Full piece below:
Lewis Hamilton feels in ‘best place personally’ ahead of 2026 F1 season
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