Ferrari showed impressive competitiveness during pre-season testing in Bahrain, but according to a former Formula 1 driver, that may not necessarily be a positive sign ahead of the 2026 season.
Charles Leclerc ended the winter tests in Bahrain with the fastest overall lap time, immediately drawing the attention of the entire paddock. The Monegasque driver put together a series of very quick runs, demonstrating that the Ferrari SF-26 already has a strong foundation. However, not everyone is convinced that these results truly reflect the pecking order ahead of the 2026 championship opener.
Leclerc fastest at Sakhir
On the final day of running at the Bahrain International Circuit, Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets after several competitive attempts, clearly edging out his rivals over a single lap. The Ferrari driver explained that the team followed its planned program without holding back, focusing on all the necessary tests to better understand the new car.
It was an intense workload that provided encouraging indications about the SF-26. Yet, as is often the case in testing, lap times must be interpreted carefully. Track conditions, fuel loads and differing run plans between teams make it extremely difficult to determine the true competitive picture with precision.
Herbert skeptical: “In testing, everyone hides”
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert urged fans not to read too much into the stopwatch. In his view, Ferrari appeared at the top mainly because other teams have not yet revealed their full potential.
“In my opinion, Ferrari looked ahead because the others haven’t shown their cards yet,” Johnny Herbert told Snabbare.
“If they really had a big advantage, they would keep it hidden and not show it straight away.”
Herbert also expressed doubts about Ferrari’s ability to fight for the 2026 title, pointing to the team’s recent seasons. “I always hope Ferrari can return to winning ways, but often they look competitive in testing and then the championship tells a different story,” he added.
“I think they could find themselves in a situation similar to last year. 2026 is an important opportunity because everyone starts from zero, but you need the right people and a strong structure. Will the changes they made be enough? I’m not so sure.”
Ferrari and Charles Leclerc nevertheless leave Bahrain with positive signs, but the real answers will only come once the lights go out and the racing begins.
Johnny Herbert’s warning shows that the true competitive landscape of 2026 remains a mystery until the first qualifying session in Melbourne. Ferrari has certainly built a fast car, but whether it is a championship-winning car depends on how much performance their rivals have left in the tank. If Herbert’s theory holds true, the SF-26 will need to find even more pace to stay ahead once the rest of the grid finally “drops their trousers” and reveals their maximum power.
Leave a Reply