Scuderia Ferrari HP began its Bahrain pre‑season campaign with a strong showing, as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc combined to complete 132 laps (715 km) in the new SF‑26. The day marked the car’s first outing at Sakhir, delivering valuable mileage and data under challenging desert conditions.
Morning – Hamilton Sets the Tone
Hamilton was first to take the wheel, rolling out just after 10 a.m. with aero rakes fitted for early measurement runs. He worked through programmes on C2 and C3 tyres, logging 52 laps (281 km). His best time, 1’36”433 on C3s, came as the team gathered insights into grip levels and car behaviour in the hotter, dustier climate compared to Barcelona.
Afternoon – Leclerc Pushes the Distance
After lunch, Leclerc took over for a busy session of long runs, practice starts, and pit stops.
He completed 80 laps (433 km), beginning on used C3s before switching to C2s, and closed the day with a best time of 1’35”190 on fresh C3s.
Hamilton described the outing as “good to be back in the car,” noting the tricky conditions with dust, sand, and strong winds.
He emphasized the importance of focusing on Ferrari’s own program and building step by step.
Leclerc echoed the positive tone, calling it “a productive half‑day” with no major issues. He highlighted the contrast to Barcelona’s conditions, stressing the value of gaining experience on another track.
Encouragingly, he noted that the data matched Ferrari’s simulations, a sign of alignment between development and reality.
Weather Snapshot
- Morning: Sunny, dry, air 30°C, track 40°C
- Afternoon: Sunny, dry, air 27–24°C, track 30–24°C
With both drivers logging solid mileage and the SF‑26 behaving in line with expectations, Ferrari’s first day in Bahrain set a confident tone. The team now turns its attention to the remaining sessions, determined to refine performance and maximize preparation ahead of the season opener.