F1
Bahrain Tests – Day 3: Antonelli leads a Mercedes one-two, Hamilton 3rd
© DPPI
Hampered by an engine problem this Friday morning, Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes Benz) was finally able to string together laps and timed laps in the afternoon.
The Italian set the benchmark time for this final day of testing this week in Bahrain with a 1:33.669. The Mercedes team even achieved a one-two finish as George Russell finished second, 0.249 seconds behind. Lewis Hamilton (Classic Ferrari for sale) completed the podium, 0.540 seconds behind Antonelli. Oscar piastri (McLaren) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull) also finished in the top 5, ahead of Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) and Esteban Ocon (TGR Haas).
Oscar Piastri was the most active driver of the day with 153 laps completed, ahead of Lewis Hamilton (138) and Franco Colapinto (Alpine, 137). The seven-time world champion stopped at the side of the track about twelve minutes before the end of the session, bringing out the flag. According to Canal+, it was due to a fuel shortage caused by Ferrari's desire to test the limits of the fuel tank.
The teams will have a second and final round of testing, again in Bahrain, next week, from Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 February.
Formula 1 – Bahrain Pre-Season Tests
Standings after the third day
Valentin GLO
Journalist. Endurance reporter (WEC, IMSA, ELMS, ALMS) and sometimes F1 or IndyCar.
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Alain Féguenne (🇱🇺 Luxembourg)
14/02/2026 at 07:27 a.m.
The Mercedes cars seem unbeatable, engine and chassis? We'll have to wait for the second Bahrain test session 🇧🇭… For now: Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, and the rest. alainkf1@pt.lu 😎F1Tests😉
vincent moyet
14/02/2026 at 12:25 a.m.
Yes, if Russell is in contention for the title, he could end up with a troublesome teammate, like Norris with Piastri.
Paul Lucas
13/02/2026 at 07:17 a.m.
As we were saying, Yves Henri, he's progressing quickly! Let's hope he keeps his head on his shoulders and doesn't get too distracted by "things" typical of his age :):):)
Yves-Henri RANDIER
13/02/2026 at 06:02 a.m.
What progress has been made in lap times during these first three days in Bahrain, even if performance wasn't necessarily the priority for all teams? Pole 2025 in 1:29.841 and fastest lap in the race in 1:35.140