George Russell Tops Timesheets on Final Pre-Season Test Day in Bahrain
George Russell led a tightly-packed top three on the final day of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, beating Oscar Piastri by just 0.010 seconds. The session saw varied running for teams and included a trial of a new race start procedure, setting the stage for the 2026 season opener at the same track next week.
George Russell set the fastest time on the fourth and final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, narrowly edging out McLaren's Oscar Piastri by just one-hundredth of a second. The day saw 21 of the 22 drivers take to the track, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc leading the morning session before being bumped down the order. The session was also notable for a trial of a new race start procedure in its closing minutes.
Why it matters:
Pre-season testing times are always treated with caution, but the ultra-close margin at the top between Mercedes and McLaren provides an intriguing early narrative for the 2026 season. Furthermore, the limited running for some key drivers and teams offers clues about potential reliability concerns or development focuses just days before the first race.
The details:
- Tight at the Top: George Russell's benchmark of 1:33.459 for Mercedes was just 0.010 seconds faster than Oscar Piastri's McLaren. Charles Leclerc was third, three-tenths back, in the lead Ferrari.
- Mixed Running Programs: Red Bull rookie Isack Hadjar was the only driver to complete a full day, but his running was compromised by a limited morning session. Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari spent significant time in the garage before a late run, while both Aston Martins completed relatively low lap counts.
- New Start System Tested: In the final ten minutes, the FIA trialed a revised start procedure featuring an additional five-second warning before the formation lights sequence began.
- Rookie Watch: Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli impressed with the fifth-fastest time, while Red Bull's Isack Hadjar and Alpine's Franco Colapinto also slotted into the top ten.
What's next:
With pre-season testing now complete, the focus shifts entirely to preparation for the 2026 season opener at the same Bahrain International Circuit. The data gathered over these four days will be analyzed exhaustively as teams make their final setup and strategic decisions. The true competitive order will finally be revealed when qualifying begins next week, putting all testing speculation to the test.