Ferrari impresses in Bahrain testing, yet Steiner highlights key uncertainties. Ferrari topped Bahrain testing with Charles Leclerc and impressed with both performance and reliability.

Ferrari concluded the Bahrain pre-season tests by setting the fastest overall lap time with Charles Leclerc, but a former Formula 1 team principal has advised caution despite the Scuderia’s strong showing.

On Friday, 20 February 2026, the final session of testing in Bahrain came to an end. The next time drivers will take to the track will be for the opening race weekend of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Australia, scheduled for 6–8 March. Several teams attracted significant media attention over the two test sessions, and among them was Ferrari. During this second phase of Bahrain testing, the Maranello squad surprised many by introducing updates to the SF-26, including a new rear wing specification.

However, it was not only innovation that caught the eye. Ferrari also impressed rivals with the reliability and on-track performance of its 2026 challenger. Even so, former Haas team principal Günther Steiner has called for restraint when assessing the true competitive picture.

Ferrari completed a total of 745 laps across the Bahrain test sessions. Only McLaren (817 laps), Haas (794 laps) and Williams (790 laps) logged more mileage than the Scuderia. Yet the Prancing Horse can boast the single fastest lap time of the entire test. On Friday, Charles Leclerc stopped the clock at 1:31.992, setting a benchmark that placed Ferrari at the top of the timing sheets.

In an exclusive interview with RTL/ntv and sport.de, Steiner shared his assessment of Ferrari’s performance in Bahrain while also highlighting the uncertainties that remain ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. He stated: “Ferrari is always Ferrari. You never know exactly where they stand. They are up there at the front, but are they really ahead of everyone? That is always Ferrari’s problem.”

The former Haas team principal continued: “You can see that the car is good. They are among the top four. I am sure that Charles Leclerc wants to become world champion. And if the car is in any way capable of it, he will fight hard to finally bring that title back to Maranello.”

With the 2026 Formula 1 season about to begin and the new technical regulations reshaping the competitive order, Ferrari appears well positioned among the leading teams. Nevertheless, as Steiner suggests, only the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park will provide the first real answers about whether the SF-26 is truly ready to challenge consistently for victories and the world championship.