Bahrain Test 2 · Day 3 Results
Leclerc sets new test benchmark — Aston Martin complete just 6 laps — Pre-season testing over
Fastest Time
1:31.992
Charles Leclerc
Most Laps (Driver)
165
Arvid Lindblad
New Test Record
−0.811s
vs Day 2 fastest
Story of the Day
Aston 😱
Only 6 laps all day
Aston Martin's Pre-Season Horror Show
Aston Martin completed just 6 laps all day — the worst single-day mileage of any team across the entire pre-season. A parts shortage with the Honda power unit following Alonso's failure on Day 2 left Lance Stroll stranded in the garage for virtually the entire session. The team ended testing with serious reliability questions heading into Melbourne. Fernando Alonso did not run at all on Day 3.
FIA Declare Ferrari's Rotating Rear Wing Legal
The FIA confirmed today that Ferrari's radical 180-degree rotating upper rear wing flap is fully legal under the 2026 regulations. The mechanism physically rotates when active aerodynamics are deployed — a concept that stunned the paddock on Day 2. With FIA approval secured, Ferrari will run it at the season opener in Melbourne. Other teams are already studying counter-designs.
| Pos | Driver | Team | Best Lap | Gap | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:31.992 | — | 132 |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:32.871 | +0.879 | 47 |
| 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:33.109 | +1.117 | 65 |
| 4 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:33.197 | +1.205 | 82 |
| 5 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:33.421 | +1.429 | 118 |
| 6 | Oliver Bearman | Haas | 1:33.487 | +1.495 | 88 |
| 7 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | 1:33.755 | +1.763 | 71 |
| 8 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:33.916 | +1.924 | 49 |
| 9 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | 1:34.149 | +2.157 | 165 |
| 10 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1:34.342 | +2.350 | 141 |
| 11 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:34.352 | +2.360 | 66 |
| 12 | Esteban Ocon | Haas | 1:34.494 | +2.502 | 82 |
| 13 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull | 1:34.511 | +2.519 | 59 |
| 14 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | 1:35.290 | +3.298 | 38 |
| 15 | Nico Hülkenberg | Audi | 1:36.019 | +4.027 | 64 |
| 16 | Sergio Pérez | Cadillac | 1:40.842 | +8.850 | 61 |
| 17 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | No time | — | 6 |
Remember: Testing times depend heavily on tyre compound (C1–C5), fuel load, and programme. Fastest lap ≠ fastest race car. Context is everything.
Combined team laps on Day 3. Aston Martin's 6 laps is the lowest single-day total of all pre-season testing.
🏆 Pace Leaders
- Ferrari
- McLaren
- Mercedes
Top 3 on combined test times
📈 Biggest Movers
- Alpine (Gasly)
- Haas (Bearman)
- Red Bull
Impressed relative to expectations
⚠️ Concerns
- Aston Martin
- Cadillac
Reliability & pace gaps to address
Ferrari are the story of pre-season testing. Leclerc tops the final day with the fastest time of all six test days (1:31.992) and the FIA confirm their rotating rear wing is legal. Coming into 2026 having struggled in the hybrid era, this is a remarkable statement. Hamilton and Leclerc could be genuine championship contenders.
McLaren and Mercedes look like the benchmark teams in overall consistency. Across both tests, they've combined speed, mileage and reliability. Red Bull remain enigmatic — Verstappen is clearly rapid (P3, 139 laps on Day 2) but they've been inconsistent and his regulation frustrations add uncertainty.
The midfield surprise of testing is Alpine. Gasly has been impressively quick across multiple sessions and the team is scoring high lap counts — suggesting both pace and reliability have improved dramatically from 2025.
Aston Martin heading to Melbourne with 6 laps of running on Day 3 is genuinely alarming. They face the season opener with severe unknowns. If the Honda issue reoccurs in Australia, it could be a catastrophic start to what was meant to be their title-challenging year.
Melbourne verdict: Expect Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull to fight at the front. Watch Alpine as a surprise package. Aston Martin could be wildcard — in the worst way possible.
Is Ferrari really this fast?
Testing pace is never definitive — but Leclerc's 1:31.992 is the fastest lap set by anyone in pre-season. Ferrari's rotating wing is legal and proven. That combination is very exciting for Ferrari fans.
Should Aston Martin fans be worried?
Yes, honestly. 6 laps on the final day due to a parts shortage is deeply troubling. They have the least race data of any team and a reliability problem that hasn't been solved. Melbourne could be brutal.
Who are the dark horses?
Alpine and Haas. Both teams have rookies or new drivers who have impressed (Gasly P5, Bearman P6). Neither was expected to challenge the top 4 but their testing pace suggests they might be closer than expected.
Who should win Melbourne?
Based on testing, Ferrari look the quickest in a single lap. McLaren and Mercedes have the best race consistency. Red Bull with Verstappen are always dangerous. Honestly? It's too close to call — which is amazing.
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