F1 results: Bahrain F1 2026 pre-season testing: Day 1 (Sakhir)
Lando Norris set the pace on the opening day of Bahrain testing.
Here are the complete F1 results from the opening day of the first official pre-season test of F1 2026 in Bahrain.
McLaren’s Lando Norris set the quickest time of the day to start the Bahrain test, while Max Verstappen put in the most miles in his Red Bull.
F1 results from Day 1 of the first Bahrain F1 2026 pre-season test
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Following on from the five day shakedown event in Barcelona, F1’s pre-season got underway with a greater sense of urgency on the first day of six for official testing in Bahrain.
18 drivers took part in the day’s action as some teams chose to split their running, and it was Lando Norris’ afternoon run in the McLaren MCL40 that ultimately proved the fastest of the day.
The reigning World Champion logged a 1:34.669 as he did 50 laps of the Bahrain International Circuit, with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri winding up his day in fourth after driving in the morning session. The Australian completed 54 laps during his time behind the wheel.
Max Verstappen completed 129 laps in his Red Bull RB22, finishing a tenth and a half behind Norris, while Charles Leclerc was third for Ferrari and just over half a second from Norris’ time.
There were two red flag stoppages as Alpine suffered an issue with Franco Colapinto during the morning session, while Nico Hulkenberg encountered a problem with his Audi in the afternoon. Both were able to resume the session.
F1 results: Bahrain pre-season test: Day 1
- 1. Lando Norris McLaren 1:34.669
- 2. Max Verstappen Red Bull +0.129
- 3. Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.521
- 4. Esteban Ocon Haas +0.909
- 5. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.933
- 6. George Russell Mercedes +1.439
- 7. Lewis Hamilton Ferrari +1.764
- 8. Pierre Gasly Alpine +2.096
- 9. Nico Hulkenberg Audi +2.192
- 10. Alex Albon Williams +2.768
- 11. Kimi Antonelli Mercedes +2.960
- 12. Arvid Lindblad Racing Bulls +3.276
- 13. Carlos Sainz Williams +3.552
- 14. Sergio Perez Cadillac +4.159
- 15. Gabriel Bortoleto Audi +4.202
- 16. Valtteri Bottas Cadillac +4.481
- 17. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +5.214
- 18. Franco Colapinto Alpine +5.661
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