The final day of the 2026 Formula 1 preseason testing kicked off at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain, where high track temperatures posed additional challenges for the teams. Charles Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, emerged as the leader of the morning session, clocking a time of 1:33.689 on C3 tires and completing 80 laps, showcasing the team's competitive potential as they approach the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly from Alpine finished in sixth place, just a second away from surpassing the fastest lap set by his compatriot Franco Colapinto.

Leclerc's performance was particularly notable as he was the second most active driver in the initial four-hour block, demonstrating both speed and consistency, which are crucial elements as teams look to finalize their setups ahead of the season's opening race. Concerns also surfaced for Mercedes, particularly regarding a malfunction in Antonelli's car that could hinder their preparations. As teams continue testing, every lap counts in data collection and understanding vehicle performance under race conditions.

With this session marking a critical point in the preseason, teams are working to identify any issues and optimize their strategies. The pressure is on for drivers and teams alike as they gear up for the first race, highlighting the importance of these final testing days in Bahrain.