P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc ensured Ferrari ended testing for Formula 1’s all-new 2026 rules era on top with a series of fastest times of all on the final day of pre-season running in Bahrain
Charles Leclerc set the fastest times during the final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, showcasing Ferrari’s dominance under Formula 1’s new 2026 rules. He completed 132 laps and clocked a 1m31.992s on the C4 tire, outperforming his rivals significantly. McLaren’s Lando Norris finished second, followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly impressed by securing the fifth-fastest time. Overall, the top teams seem to have a substantial lead at the onset of the new rules era, while the midfield battle remains unpredictable.
