Formula 1 2026: Kimi Antonelli Fastest in Bahrain 2026 Test

Formula 1, Sportrik Media – Kimi Antonelli concluded the opening 2026 Bahrain pre-season test as the fastest driver overall, underlining a strong one-lap showing for Mercedes AMG Petronas.

Antonelli had been restricted to just three laps on Day 2 due to a power unit issue. However, during the final four-hour session on Day 3, the Italian focused on low-fuel performance runs and immediately climbed to the top of the timesheets.

He first edged team-mate George Russell by 0.018 seconds before extending the margin to 0.249 seconds with a 1:33.669 lap. That benchmark stood as the fastest of the test and was exactly one second quicker than reigning world champion Lando Norris.

Lewis Hamilton secured third overall for Scuderia Ferrari, while Max Verstappen placed seventh for Red Bull Racing.

At the other end of the order, Sergio Perez recorded the slowest lap of the test with a 1:38.653 for Cadillac.

While headline lap times remain secondary at this stage of development, Mercedes closes the first Bahrain test with a clear statement ahead of the second pre-season test and the 2026 season opener in Melbourne.