P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc isn’t sure where Ferrari fits into the pecking order after first F1 test
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has raised concerns about Mercedes concealing a significant amount of performance during the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain. The first test under the new car regulations has shown McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes in leading positions, but the true performance is hard to gauge.
While teams like Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes are downplaying their form, Mercedes has been accused of hiding its true potential, despite leading on Friday’s practice with drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.
Leclerc highlighted Red Bull’s strong showing, implying they have been more transparent compared to Mercedes. Ferrari has also impressed, ranking third fastest on Friday with Lewis Hamilton, showcasing good mileage and reliability during the test.
Although optimistic about Ferrari’s performance in Bahrain, Leclerc remains cautious due to the complexities of the new car systems and the ability to mask true performance. Reliability is a positive aspect, but understanding the exact performance level remains challenging for all teams at this stage.
