Second winter tests: Leclerc shines on the final day

The 2026 winter testing program has been the longest since 2016. In total, nine test days were held — three of the five permitted days in Barcelona in January and six days in Bahrain in February. The goal was to help teams adapt to the most significant regulation changes recently.

Overall, the tests were calmer than during the 2014 switch to hybrid power units, when 12 days of running were scheduled. However, issues were unavoidable each day, including the final one. No team managed to complete its program entirely hassle-free.

Teams powered by Mercedes and Ferrari appeared slightly more stable, though that does not mean they were without setbacks. On the final day, Kimi Antonelli stopped on track due to a power unit failure, forcing an engine change. Earlier in the afternoon, barriers were also placed at the McLaren garage entrance.

Aston Martin faced the most difficult situation. Repeated problems with the Honda power unit prevented Adrian Newey’s new car from completing meaningful mileage. On the final day, the team did not run at all — the Honda battery that had failed the day before could not be replaced in time, and Japanese engineers later issued an official statement. As a result, Aston Martin appears set to begin the season several steps behind expectations that had been high just weeks ago.

In the evening, track temperatures dropped and grip levels improved significantly, prompting some drivers to leave their quickest laps for the final hour. Even so, no one was in a hurry to reveal their true pace. The competitive picture will only become clearer after qualifying in Melbourne.

Charles Leclerc set the fastest time of both the final day and the entire two-week Bahrain testing period — 1:31.992.

Winter testing has concluded. Teams will return to the track in two weeks’ time for the opening practice session in Melbourne.