Sports · 19 February 2026
George Russell sets fastest 1:33.459 lap in Bahrain test.
Steffen Prößdorf via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mercedes driver George Russell finished first on Day 1 of the second 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain, setting the quickest lap on Wednesday at the Bahrain International Circuit. Russell’s best lap was 1 min 33.459 sec, putting him narrowly ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Teams will return for more running on Thursday with the final pre-season testing continuing. The test takes place before the 2026 season starts in Australia.
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