Test F1 | The data speaks clearly: Ferrari bold, Mercedes dramatically hiding – Telemetry analysis
The telemetry analysis speaks clearly: Ferrari exposed more of its true potential, while Mercedes maintained an extremely conservative approach throughout the final day of running.
The third and final day of the second 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test session in Bahrain did not provide the satisfaction of delivering a fully reliable direct comparison between Mercedes and Ferrari, currently considered the two reference teams in the paddock. During the afternoon session, several top teams progressively moved away from exploratory programs and shifted their focus toward outright performance runs, adopting more qualifying-representative conditions with lower fuel loads and more aggressive power unit engine mappings. In this context came the fastest time of Charles Leclerc, a 1:31.992 on the C4 compound, and Lando Norris’ 1:32.871 on C3.
In stark contrast, the Brackley-based team stopped its benchmark with George Russell at 1:33.197, showing what appears to be an unrealistic gap of 1.2 seconds to the front.
Mercedes hides by playing with the power unit
As can be seen from the telemetry data, the Brackley outfit adopted a strongly conservative approach, deliberately concealing a significant portion of its real performance potential. However, the data allows us to rule out fuel load as the primary explanation for the observed deficit. Minimum mid-corner speeds, a parameter directly correlated with the overall mass of the car, are in fact broadly aligned with those of the main competitors.
The discrepancy instead emerges clearly in terms of top speed. A direct comparison between the fastest laps of George Russell and Lando Norris, both powered by the same Mercedes power unit architecture, highlights substantial differences both on the main straight (10 km/h) and through Turn 12 (15 km/h). Given the identical power unit layout, such a gap can only be attributed to an extremely conservative engine mapping strategy, particularly in terms of internal combustion engine output and hybrid system deployment strategy.
Ferrari is not afraid to show itself
A coherent picture also emerges from the comparison between George Russell and Charles Leclerc. The Ferrari SF-26 adopts an engine mapping management approach similar to that of McLaren, as demonstrated by comparable top speeds, albeit with a slightly different hybrid deployment strategy that anticipates the peak power delivery point. In addition, Ferrari shows significantly stronger performance in the mid-corner phase, suggesting the car was running with a lower fuel load.
The Scuderia therefore adopted a braver and more aggressive approach, not fearing to reveal a larger share of its potential in order to better characterize the car’s response in conditions more representative of qualifying and race simulations. Operating within this performance window allows engineers to observe key parameters with greater accuracy, such as aerodynamic balance, platform stability, and tyre behaviour — aspects that fully emerge only when the single-seater is pushed close to its operational limit.
All that remains now is to wait for qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne to precisely determine the gaps between the various cars. Mercedes remains the favourite on the basis of its consistency as well as the potential glimpsed during testing, but Ferrari has nonetheless demonstrated a very solid and competitive technical platform ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Leave a Reply