Kimi Antonelli recorded the fastest lap for Mercedes during the second day of the final pre-season Formula 1 tests in Bahrain with a time of 1:32.803. Following closely behind were Oscar Piastri of McLaren and Max Verstappen from Red Bull, with times of 1:32.861 and 1:33.162 respectively. This performance indicates that Mercedes is in a strong position ahead of the upcoming Formula 1 season.

George Russell, who had set the best time on Wednesday, drove the morning session for Mercedes and achieved the third fastest lap of the day with a time of 1:34.111. As the session progressed, Antonelli continued to improve his times in the afternoon, showcasing the capability and competitiveness of the Mercedes team. Teams generally focused on refining their performance as they prepared for the upcoming Championship, making these tests critical.

With numerous laps completed by Antonelli and notable time improvements across the board, the performance of Mercedes indicates a strong contender status for the 2026 season. As teams engage in these last preparations before the season opener, the data and insights gained from such sessions could play a pivotal role in strategizing for the races that lie ahead. This could potentially set the tone for the championship as teams assess their rivals' capabilities and address their own challenges.