Leclerc tops Day 2 of 2026 F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain
Charles Leclerc led a Ferrari one-two on the timesheets on the second day of 2026 F1 testing in Bahrain, with his morning lap unbeaten. Reigning champion Lando Norris was second for McLaren, while Haas rookie Oliver Bearman impressed with third in a session interrupted by five red flags.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the fastest time on the second day of 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, with his morning benchmark remaining unbeaten throughout the afternoon. Reigning world champion Lando Norris finished second for McLaren, while Haas rookie Oliver Bearman turned heads by securing the third-fastest time ahead of Mercedes' George Russell.
Why it matters:
Pre-season testing times are always heavily caveated with unknown fuel loads and engine modes, but the early pecking order provides the first tangible clues about each team's winter development. A strong showing from Ferrari and an impressive debut for Bearman in a Haas will fuel speculation about potential shake-ups in the competitive hierarchy for the new season.
The details:
- Leclerc's best lap of 1:34.273, set in the morning session, stood as the day's ultimate pace-setter.
- McLaren's Lando Norris ended the day 0.511 seconds adrift in second place, also carrying his time over from the morning running.
- The most notable performance came from Haas rookie Oliver Bearman, who placed his car an unexpected third, just over a second behind Leclerc.
- The day was heavily disrupted, with five red flags halting track action and limiting running for some teams and drivers.
- Mercedes' George Russell managed only 54 laps, the fewest of any driver who set a representative time, ending the day in fourth.
By the numbers:
A look at the key lap times and totals from the second day of testing:
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): 1:34.273 – 139 laps
- Lando Norris (McLaren): +0.511 – 149 laps
- Oliver Bearman (Haas): +1.121 – 130 laps
- George Russell (Mercedes): +1.193 – 54 laps
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls): +2.288 – 87 laps
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi): +2.397 – 67 laps
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine): +2.450 – 97 laps
- Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac): +2.551 – 67 laps
- Alex Albon (Williams): +2.956 – 62 laps
- Nico Hulkenberg (Audi): +2.993 – 47 laps
What's next:
Teams and drivers will return for the third and final day of pre-season testing tomorrow. The focus will shift from initial shake-downs and data collection to more representative race simulations and qualifying runs, offering a final glimpse of potential form before the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix next week.