Andrea Kimi Antonelli Leads Mercedes 1-2 in Bahrain Pre-Season Test

Andrea Kimi Antonelli set the pace on the final day of the 2026 Bahrain pre-season test, topping the timesheet with a 1m33.669s lap. The 19-year-old Italian driver led a Mercedes 1-2, with team-mate George Russell 0.249s behind.

What happened on day three?

Mercedes reaffirmed its status as a top contender in Formula 1, with Antonelli and Russell the only drivers to go sub 1m34s this week. The team overcame a power unit issue that ruled out Antonelli for much of the morning running on Thursday.

How did other teams perform?

Ferrari had a productive Friday, with Lewis Hamilton setting a 1m34.209s lap in the morning, 0.291s off Russell's time. Hamilton's day ended 10 minutes early due to a mechanical issue, suspected to be a loss of fuel. Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen were fourth and fifth respectively, 0.880s and 1.672s off Antonelli's time.

What's next for the teams?

The teams will return to Bahrain for another three-day pre-season test on 18-20 February, before the Melbourne opener in March. Andrea Kimi Antonelli's performance has set a high standard for the upcoming season. The Italian driver's speed and consistency will be crucial in the championship battle. Mercedes completed 139 laps on Friday, with Antonelli missing the opening 90 minutes of the afternoon due to a power unit issue. The team's mileage was still impressive, considering the setback.

Key statistics from the test

Oscar Piastri completed the most tours of the Bahrain circuit with 161 laps. Lewis Hamilton and Franco Colapinto also hit a century, with 150 and 144 laps respectively. The teams will look to build on their performance in the next test, with the championship just around the corner. Andrea Kimi Antonelli's lead has given Mercedes a boost ahead of the new season. The team's rivals, including Ferrari and Red Bull, will be looking to close the gap in the upcoming tests.