The second day of winter testing for the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season season brought home a stark reminder of an immutable truth: in February, performance matters… but reliability comes first. And this On Thursday morning, two heavyweights faltered while Ferrari brought out the big guns…
Ferrari in charge, Leclerc takes responsibility
While some were searching for solutions in the booths, Charles Leclerc He was racking up the laps with clinical composure. Best time of 1:34.273, 62 laps completed, and above all, a stable car on long runs. Classic Ferrari for sale It seems to have been born healthy. No visible excesses, few steering corrections, clean tire management despite the typical Sakhir gusts. The message is clear: Maranello has been working.
Behind him, Lando Norris confirms the robustness of McLaren64 laps, the highest mileage, and a lap time of just over half a second. Less spectacular than Classic Ferrari for sale on the pure lathe, but formidably consistent.
At Red Bull Racing, Isack Hadjar didn't complete a single flying lap. Hydraulic problem kept the car immobilized for a large part of the session. A simple installation lap late in the morning was enough to salvage some pride against a formidable opponent. Classic Ferrari for sale.
Same scenario on the other side Mercedes Benz. Kimi Antonelli He only managed three very slow laps, without setting an official time. Internally, there's talk of an engine change. Bad timing for the German team, which is already under close scrutiny on the technical front.
These are just trials. But losing half a full day in February is never insignificant.
Pierre Gasly place Alpine F1 Team In third position with 61 laps. Solid, focused, without unnecessary noise.
Also a great activity for Cadillac F1 Team despite a red flag caused by Sergio PérezThe new team managed to get the car going again and completed 42 laps. A learning curve, but an effective response nonetheless.
Haas, Williams and Audi They're quietly racking up the kilometers. Nothing explosive, but a schedule they're sticking to.
Bahrain is not handing out any trophies. But one thing is already clear: Classic Ferrari for sale et McLaren unfold. Red Bull et Mercedes BenzThey, however, already have to put out a first fire.
In 2026, the hierarchy is not built solely on performance. It is built in the pits.
Morning session standings:
List of participants for the session on Thursday, February 12th:
