UNDESERVED NEWS: Ted Kravitz Highlights Lewis Hamilton’s Race Pace in Bahrain as he WARNED that… Read more
Ferrari Emerges as Early Frontrunner in 2026 F1 Pre-Season Testing: Ted Kravitz Highlights Lewis Hamilton’s Impressive Race Pace in Bahrain
The 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing kicked off in Bahrain, and the headlines are already dominated by Scuderia Ferrari. According to Sky Sports F1 pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz, the Maranello-based team demonstrated the strongest race simulation performance across the three-day session at the Bahrain International Circuit. This revelation has sent ripples through the paddock, with Lewis Hamilton’s long-run data particularly standing out as the quickest overall.
Ferrari introduced a significant upgrade package on Day 2, featuring a new front wing, floor, and diffuser on their SF-26 car. These changes appeared to unlock substantial gains, especially in race trim. Kravitz, speaking on Sky F1 coverage, emphasized that Ferrari’s race simulations with Charles Leclerc on Day 2 and Lewis Hamilton on Day 3 positioned them as the benchmark. “Ferrari are quickest on a race simulation,” Kravitz stated, underscoring the team’s consistency over longer stints.
What turned heads even more was Hamilton’s performance on the final day. The seven-time world champion, now in his debut season with Ferrari after a high-profile move from Mercedes, delivered a race run that outperformed his teammate Leclerc’s earlier effort. “Lewis’ race run was quicker than Charles’,” Kravitz noted, though he added important context: Hamilton benefited from a more rubbered-in track and similar time-of-day conditions, which naturally improved grip levels as the test progressed. Despite these variables, the data suggests Hamilton adapted swiftly to the new machinery and Ferrari’s setup preferences.
This comes after Leclerc impressed on Day 2 with a strong long-run showing that already had rivals taking notice. Alpine’s F1 director reportedly viewed Ferrari as potentially “the class of the field” based on that pace. Hamilton’s Day 3 contribution built on that foundation, completing a high-volume program before a late-session issue possibly running out of fuel brought out red flags and cut his running short. Even so, his lap times and consistency in race simulations painted a picture of a driver fully dialed in.
The Bahrain test provided the first real glimpse of the 2026 regulations in action, with cars featuring active aerodynamics, revised power units, and other technical evolutions aimed at closer racing. Ferrari’s early strength in race pace where degradation management, tire wear, and energy deployment matter most has fueled optimism in the camp. Team principal Fred Vasseur, however, remained characteristically cautious, downplaying excessive hype by suggesting other teams were “not at the maximum” during the sessions.
Rivals are not far behind, though. McLaren’s Lando Norris acknowledged being “not very close to Ferrari” after his own long runs, while Mercedes showed flashes of speed, particularly through Kimi Antonelli, who rivaled Hamilton’s simulations late on Day 3. Red Bull and others faced technical hiccups but are expected to bring updates before the season opener in Melbourne. Sky F1’s Craig Slater and Kravitz pieced together an emerging pecking order, with Ferrari leading on race pace, followed closely by Mercedes and McLaren showing competitive one-lap speed.
For Hamilton, these results mark a promising start to his Ferrari chapter. After years of battling reliability and performance issues at Mercedes, the 41-year-old Briton appears rejuvenated in red. His ability to edge out Leclerc one of the grid’s quickest qualifiers and race drivers highlights his enduring talent and the potential synergy with the team. Leclerc, meanwhile, set solid benchmarks earlier, proving the SF-26 suits both drivers’ styles.
As testing continues (with another session planned later in Bahrain), teams will dissect the data further. Race simulations are notoriously telling, often more indicative of Sunday performance than outright qualifying pace. Ferrari’s edge here could signal a genuine title contender, especially if they maintain this form through the winter.
The paddock consensus? Ferrari has turned heads, Hamilton is thriving, and the 2026 season promises fierce competition from the outset. With upgrades still to come from rivals, the true picture will emerge closer to the Australian Grand Prix—but for now, the Prancing Horse is galloping strongly.
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