George Russell of Mercedes topped the timesheets on the first day of the second and final Formula 1 preseason test at the Bahrain International Circuit on Wednesday, signaling a strong start to the team’s preparations for the 2026 season. The British driver clocked a lap time of 1:33.459, narrowly edging out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by just 0.010 seconds. This initial pace-setting performance during 2026 F1 testing in Bahrain suggests Mercedes is a contender as the new season approaches.
The test session, crucial for teams to refine their new cars ahead of the season opener in Australia on March 6-8, saw several teams experiencing varying degrees of success. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured third place with a time of 1:33.739, set during the morning session, while reigning world champion Lando Norris finished fourth for McLaren, demonstrating the competitive depth already present within the field. The Bahrain test is a vital component of the teams’ preparation, allowing them to gather valuable data and fine-tune their setups for the unique demands of the Bahrain International Circuit and beyond.
Russell Leads Competitive Field
Russell’s fastest lap was achieved on the C3 compound tires in the final hour of the afternoon session, as track temperatures cooled and conditions became more representative of race day. Piastri similarly set his competitive time on the C3 tires, approximately 90 minutes earlier as the sun began to set. The close margin between the top two drivers highlights the intense competition expected throughout the 2026 season. Formula 1 reports that all but Red Bull opted to change drivers for the second session, with Isack Hadjar remaining at the wheel of the RB22 while the team addressed technical issues.
The session wasn’t without incident. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll experienced a spin and ended up in the gravel at Turn 11, prompting a red flag while the AMR26 was recovered. Despite the interruption, teams were able to resume their programs, maximizing the limited track time available before the season begins. The teams are working against the clock, with only two and a half days of testing remaining to dial in their cars.
Hamilton Faces Early Ferrari Setback
While Russell set the pace, Ferrari encountered a technical issue that limited Lewis Hamilton’s running during the afternoon session. The seven-time world champion missed 90 minutes of track time as the team worked to resolve the problem, a setback after a promising start to the test with Charles Leclerc’s morning benchmark. Sky Sports notes this was the first significant issue Ferrari has faced during preseason testing, having previously enjoyed six days of trouble-free running.
Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar finished sixth 0.791 seconds off Russell’s pace, but his morning was hampered by work on his car. The team used the time to address the issue, aiming to maximize running in the remaining test days. ESPN highlights that the top four teams – Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull – appear to be the frontrunners, though a clear favorite remains elusive.
What’s Next for Formula 1?
The second day of the Bahrain test is scheduled for Thursday, February 19th, with teams continuing to refine their car setups and gather crucial data. The focus will likely be on long-run simulations and further aerodynamic evaluations as teams prepare for the opening race of the 2026 season in Australia. The results of these final testing days will provide a clearer indication of the competitive landscape and the potential pecking order for the upcoming season.
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