The final week of testing in Bahrain ended in a pleasant surprise for the Italian public. Charles Leclerc managed to put his SF-26 at the top of the time list and be two seconds away from his 2025 pole time. Obviously, since these are tests, there are aspects to analyze, but we can already say that Ferrari did not bluff. The performance is there, how well we will see it. In the meantime, as Italians, let's enjoy the moment and try to understand the values on the pitch.
Let's start right from the days when drivers scored in 2025. If we look at poleman Oscar Piastri, in his McLaren in Q1 he had lapped in 1'31’’392, in Q2 in 1'30’’454 and in Q3 in 1'29’’841 in C3. If we then consider Leclerc's time on SF-26, 1'31’’992 at 6:31 PM local time on the third day, from this perspective the situation looks rosier than expected. Especially considering that Antonelli's Mercedes W17 was the second fastest car and ran 1'32’’803.
Let's analyze the times for what they are
The No.16 Ferrari, however, was the only one of the team's best cars to feature the softer C4 tyres used compared to Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren. So strong yes, but was it a bluff? No, Leclerc also deserved to be the leader because he had scored an excellent 1'32’’655 with the C3 compounds around 5.45pm local time.
The performance is there and came on merit as Leclerc sought it and wanted it by fitting 8 sets of new compound, between C3 and C4, simulating qualification.
The others limited themselves to using the C3, as envisaged by the 2026 Pirelli nomination. Like last year, although the tyres have changed due to regulations, we will have C1, C2 and C3. The sobering thing, though, is that no one else insisted so much on the fastest lap. Only Leclerc had the courage to do it. Verstappen, on the third day, listed just a few things, but nothing sensational. Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren completely snubbed Friday's qualifying test. Piastri and Antonelli finished the session with a time on the second day.
At the start of the season, such fast cars were not expected, so the work done by Ferrari is undoubtedly promising. It remains to be seen, however, where the other teams will position themselves when they too begin to get serious.
Cover photo: Ferrari, Internal photo: Pirelli
Read also in italian language: Test Bahrain - Analisi top team: la Ferrari in testa non è un bluff
