Lewis Hamilton completed the fastest race simulation of any driver at the first Bahrain test, according to Sky F1\u2019s Ted Kravitz.<\/p>\n
It is noted by Kravitz, that factors such as a more rubbered-in track, and rivals completing a race run at a different time of day, could have played a part, though Sky F1\u2019s pit-lane reporter declared Ferrari the new frontrunners. Indeed, McLaren boss Andrea Stella pointed to Ferrari and Mercedes as the fastest teams after looking at the race simulations.<\/p>\n
Lewis Hamilton faster than Charles Leclerc in Bahrain?<\/p>\n
Want more PlanetF1.com coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for news you can trust.<\/p>\n According to Kravitz, Hamilton<\/a> did have the beating of Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and everyone else in his race run on Day 3 in Bahrain.<\/p>\n Based on what Kravitz and Sky F1 colleague Craig Slater have heard from the teams to have analysed long-run performance, Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari are in good shape.<\/p>\n \u201cDo we have a new number one,\u201d Slater began, after Mercedes came out of the Barcelona test marked down as top dog.<\/p>\n Kravitz replied: \u201cWe do. With the upgrade package that they brought to Day 2 here in Bahrain, new front wing, new floor, new diffuser, Ferrari, on race simulations, with Charles Leclerc Day 2, and Lewis Hamilton Day 3, they are quickest on a race simulation.<\/p>\n \u201cThey completed the Bahrain Grand Prix quicker than anybody else, period.\u201d<\/p>\n Slater came in with the cue: \u201cAnd not only that, but Lewis Hamilton fans, listen to this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Kravitz took back over with: \u201cLewis\u2019 race run was quicker than Charles\u2019 race run.<\/p>\n \u201cBut, it was on a more rubbered-in track. But, at the same time of day.\u201d<\/p>\n Latest F1 2026 talking points via PlanetF1.com<\/p>\n Ferrari unveil first SF-26 upgrade with bold front wing rethink<\/a><\/p>\n Safety concerns trigger calls for urgent change to F1 2026 race starts<\/a><\/p>\n Race simulations are often a more reliable source to judge where a team is at, compared to headline times, in testing.<\/p>\n The buzz around Hamilton and Ferrari was supported by the analysis of McLaren team principal Andrea Stella.<\/p>\n However, from what the McLaren boss said, Mercedes must still be considered a leading outfit alongside Ferrari.<\/p>\n \u201cIn terms of race pace, I can confirm that the race pace of Ferrari looks pretty competitive in the simulation that Hamilton did today,\u201d Stella told PlanetF1.com and others.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd then there was at the same time, one from [Kimi] Antonelli and one from Oscar [Piastri]. I think Antonelli and Hamilton were quicker than us today in the race simulation, when you look at the times.<\/p>\n \u201cI would say that yesterday, Charles\u2019s one was quite competitive, and at the same level as today\u2019s simulations.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the same time, I just invite everyone to just be careful looking too much into what we see in testing.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, early indications from a competitiveness point of view, I think definitely put Ferrari and Mercedes at the top of the list in terms of those that seem to be ready from a performance point of view, in particular.\u201d<\/p>\n Additional reporting by Mat Coch<\/p>\n Want to be the first to know exclusive information from the F1 paddock? Join our broadcast channel on WhatsApp<\/a> to get the scoop on the latest developments from our team of accredited journalists.<\/p>\n You can also subscribe to the PlanetF1 YouTube channel<\/a> for exclusive features, hear from our paddock journalists with stories from the heart of Formula 1 and much more!<\/p>\n