Fastest Lap Times Revealed as First F1 Test Concludes in Bahrain

The fastest lap times from the first testing week in Bahrain ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign have been revealed.

Following a private test held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last month, F1 teams returned to the track this week at the Bahrain International Circuit.

All 11 teams took part in the three-day session, with the likes of Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren putting in decent performances.

Meanwhile, the likes of Aston Martin and Cadillac endured a mixed week as they encountered several problems.

On Friday, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was forced to abandon his car after being put on a new plan by Ferrari.

Team boss Fred Vasseur explained to French TV channel Canal+ that it was part of a pre-determined plan by the Scuderia, whereby Hamilton would simply keep driving the car until it was close to the limit on fuel in order to test the tank's capacity.

Lewis Hamilton on track in Bahrain. Image: Getty

Following the conclusion of the first testing week in Bahrain, the fastest lap times have been revealed.

According to Racing News 365, Mercedes came out on top, with Kimi Antonelli setting the best time of the week, which was a 1:33.669. The young Italian was closely followed by his teammate George Russell, who managed a 1:33.918.

Then came the Ferraris, with Hamilton clocking a 1:34.209 ahead of Charles Leclerc's best effort of 1:34.273.

After the Mercedes and the Ferraris, reigning world champions McLaren were fifth and sixth.

Oscar Piastri beat his teammate and defending world champion Lando Norris by setting a time of 1:34.549.

Norris only managed a fastest lap of 1:34.669.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was next, clocking a quickest lap of 1:34.798.

On the other hand, the slowest car of the week was Sergio Perez's Cadillac, with a time of 1:38.653.

Testing will continue next week in Bahrain. Image: Getty

Fastest lap times from the first Bahrain test

Kimi Antonelli – 1:33.669

George Russell – 1:33.918

Lewis Hamilton – 1:34.209

Charles Leclerc – 1:34.273

Oscar Piastri – 1:34.549

Lando Norris – 1:34.669

Max Verstappen – 1:34.798

Oliver Bearman – 1:35.394

Esteban Ocon – 1:35.578

Isack Hadjar – 1:35.610

Franco Colapinto – 1:35.806

Nico Hulkenberg – 1:36.291

Gabriel Bortoleto – 1:36.670

Pierre Gasly – 1:36.723

Alex Albon – 1:36.793

Liam Lawson – 1:36.808

Valtteri Bottas – 1:36.824

Carlos Sainz – 1:37.186

Arvid Lindblad – 1:37.470

Lance Stroll – 1:38.165

Fernando Alonso – 1:38.248

Sergio Perez – 1:38.653

Testing will resume next week in Bahrain ahead of the first race of the 2026 F1 season, which will be the Australian Grand Prix held around Albert Park in Melbourne.