F1 driver makes history smashing record on final day of testing

A Formula One driver set an impressive record in the final day of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit.

After three weeks of testing in both Barcelona and Bahrain, pre-season for the 2026 Formula One campaign is officially over.

In the final day of testing, Ferrari star Charles Leclerc topped the time sheet with an impressive 1:31.992 lap, followed by reigning champion Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and title-favourite George Russell.

As reflected in the timings from the final day of testing, it has widely been reported that Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren will likely be the dominant teams throughout 2026.

But they aren't the only teams to have impressed in Bahrain, as an unexpected star made history as he set an impressive record that will take some effort to beat.

Leclerc topped the timings on the final day of pre-season testing. (Image: Joe Portlock/Getty Images)

Despite the introduction of an 11th team this year, there is just one new face on the grid as Arvid Lindblad has replaced Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls for the 2026 season.

The 18-year-old arrives with a high expectations given his due to his meteoric, record-breaking rise through the sport.

And if his performance in the final day of testing is anything to go by, the young talent means to continue this form as he broke the record for the most laps completed in a Bahrain testing day

The Brit put in an impressive 165 laps at the Bahrain International Circuit, getting in vital experience ahead of his debut Grand Prix in Melbourne in just two weeks time.

Ahead of his drive on Friday, the track record was 161 laps.

Lindblad now holds the record for the most laps completed in Bahrain testing. (Image: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

Across his 165 laps on Friday, Lindblad's fastest was a 1:34.149, putting him ninth on the time sheet of the final day of testing.

Before the 2026 season, Lindblad spoke exclusively to SPORTbible, discussing his goals and expectations for the 2026 season as well as how his life has changed since signing his first F1 contract.

"I'm not a huge fan of setting outcome goals, especially now in this point of the year" he said.

"I'm just focused on working hard with the team, you know, on track, in the sim, at the factory, just trying to get as prepared as I can, and then we'll see when we get to Melbourne."