Leclerc fastest in Bahrain, Pérez drives most laps

Charles Leclerc set the best time in the morning session of the first day of Formula 1 testing in Bahrain. The 24-year-old driver from Monaco recorded a lap time of 1.34.531 in the Ferrari on the Bahrain International Circuit. Sergio Pérez completed the most laps in the Red Bull car: 70.

The fastest lap of Max Verstappen’s Mexican teammate was 1.35.977, finishing fourth in the morning. During the test days in the run-up to the season, it is not so much about the times, but mainly about testing the new cars and their reliability.

Alexander Albon clocked second time in the Williams, more than half a second from the Monegask. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton set the fifth fastest time in the Mercedes, which stood out due to the new and particularly narrow sidepods on the side of the car. The Briton drove 62 laps and gave more than 1.8 seconds to Leclerc, who did two more laps. Haas’ team was missing in the morning session, as all the team’s equipment arrived in Bahrain later than planned.

World champion Max Verstappen will take care of Red Bull on Friday, the Dutchman and Mexican will both take action on Saturday.