Red Bull and Aston Martin Face Challenges as Final Test Starts
The Bahrain Formula 1 2026 second test commenced with notable challenges for teams like Red Bull and Aston Martin. During the first session, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc emerged as the fastest driver, clocking a time of 1m33.739s. This impressive lap was achieved within an hour of the session’s start, utilizing unmarked C3 compound tyres on his SF-26 car.
Top Performers of the Session
Lando Norris from McLaren followed closely behind, achieving a time of 1m34.052s on C2 tyres. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli showcased strong sector performance but ultimately finished the session in third place with a time of 1m34.158s. His record lap of 1m33.669s from the previous week’s test remains the fastest of the Bahrain circuit.
Notable Lap Times
- 1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1m33.739s, 70 laps
- 2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1m34.052s, 54 laps
- 3. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1m34.158s, 69 laps
- 4. Alex Albon (Williams) – 1m35.690s, 55 laps
- 5. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1m35.898s, 61 laps
- 6. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) – 1m36.188s, 13 laps
- 7. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 1m36.418s, 65 laps
- 8. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 1m36.536s, 28 laps
- 9. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) – 1m36.741s, 49 laps
- 10. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) – 1m36.769s, 75 laps
- 11. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) – 1m38.191s, 24 laps
Red Bull and Aston Martin Struggle with Track Time
Both Red Bull and Aston Martin faced difficulties in accumulating sufficient track time. Isack Hadjar of Red Bull managed only 13 laps, significantly lower than other teams. His limited stint lasted just 75 minutes into the session, leaving him in sixth place.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso initially appeared to contribute positively but returned to the pit before the session concluded. He ultimately completed 28 laps, improving Aston Martin’s best time to 1m36.536s.
Challenges Faced
- Red Bull’s low mileage hindered performance
- Isack Hadjar completed fewest laps (13)
- Sergio Perez from Cadillac struggled to find pace, finishing last
Overall, the session presented a mixed bag of results, with Ferrari leading the charge while Red Bull and Aston Martin sought to recover from their slow starts. The final times from the first session set an intriguing stage as teams prepare for the upcoming days of testing in Bahrain.
