Leclerc tops Bahrain test as Aston Martin grapples with power‑unit shortage

Charles Leclerc topped the final morning of 2026 pre‑season testing at Bahrain, posting a 1:33.689 lap on the C3 tyre and completing 80 laps – the most of any driver. The Ferrari driver also ran a full race simulation, using medium and hard compounds while the team trialled its new 180‑degree rotating rear‑wing flap. Aston Martin managed only two laps as a Honda power‑unit shortage and earlier engine trouble limited its track time.

Why it matters:

• Leclerc’s speed signals Ferrari may be ready to challenge Mercedes and Red Bull, with the rotating rear‑wing offering a potential aerodynamic edge.
• Aston Martin’s power‑unit shortage underscores reliability concerns that could keep the team from scoring points early in the season.

The details:

• Leclerc’s 1:33.689 was 0.227 s quicker than Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who only ran 49 laps after a pneumatic‑pressure loss caused a red flag.
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren) was third, 0.663 s off the leader, with a best on the C4 tyre and 66 laps.
• Haas’ Esteban Ocon logged the most mileage – 82 laps – finishing fourth on the prototype tyre.
• Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) logged just two laps due to a Honda parts shortage, after an engine issue on Wednesday.

What's next:

The afternoon session will see the full grid back, including Norris, Russell and Verstappen, chasing “glory laps” and further data on the rotating rear‑wing before the season opener in Bahrain.