Leclerc: Mercedes 'Hiding' True Pace in Bahrain Tests
Charles Leclerc says Red Bull and Mercedes look fastest after Bahrain testing, but suspects Mercedes is deliberately hiding its car's true potential. He notes the new regulations make it exceptionally hard to judge real performance, but is satisfied with Ferrari's reliable start to its 2026 program.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc believes Red Bull and Mercedes are currently ahead in the pecking order following pre-season testing in Bahrain, singling out Mercedes as particularly adept at concealing their car's full potential. While acknowledging Ferrari's solid start to their program, the Monegasque driver expressed that it remains very difficult to accurately gauge the competitive landscape with the new 2026 technical regulations.
Why it matters:
Pre-season testing is a critical period of strategic deception, where teams balance performance runs with data collection while trying to mislead their rivals. Leclerc's assessment suggests Mercedes may be holding significant performance in reserve, a classic tactic that could mean the fight at the front is closer than initial lap times indicate. His comments highlight the heightened complexity of understanding true car performance under the new power unit and aerodynamic rules.
The details:
- Leclerc stated that from his perspective, Red Bull and Mercedes are in front, with Ferrari following closely. He noted the gap does not appear excessively large at this early stage.
- He was especially impressed by Red Bull's power unit performance throughout the test sessions in Bahrain.
- Regarding Mercedes, Leclerc observed, "They are showing some very impressive things as well sometimes, but I would say they are hiding a lot more." He described the Silver Arrows as "very good at hiding their potential."
- The driver pointed to the increased power of the hybrid electrical systems in the 2026 cars as a key factor, explaining that the myriad of small setup tweaks available makes it easier for teams to mask their car's true speed and handling.
- On a positive note for Ferrari, Leclerc highlighted that the team completed its program without major reliability issues, and the car's behavior is stacking up with pre-test expectations, providing a stable base for development.
What's next:
The true picture will only become clear at the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend when teams run in genuine competitive sessions. If Mercedes has indeed been sandbagging, their performance in qualifying and the race will reveal the extent of their hidden pace. Ferrari's task is to analyze the data from testing and accelerate development to close the perceived gap to the front before the season gets fully underway.