Kimi Antonelli endured a frustrating build-up to his second F1 campaign, as persistent reliability issues derailed much of his 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain. The Italian spent long spells confined to the Mercedes garage across the opening two days of testing, managing just over 30 laps while rivals gathered crucial data. It left his programme disrupted, and his preparation compromised at a pivotal stage of the winter.
He responded strongly on the final day. With a cleaner run plan and improved reliability, Antonelli completed 61 consistent laps and set the outright fastest time of the test. The performance offered a glimpse of both pace and potential, yet the damage had already been done.
Despite the late surge, he ended the three-day test with the lowest mileage of the field, totalling only 94 laps.
Antonelli encouraged by progress despite disrupted running at 2026 F1 testing in Bahrain
Reflecting on the week, Antonelli admitted to F1TV that the test had not unfolded smoothly, with limited mileage restricting his preparation.
Even so, he praised the team’s swift response to the setbacks, highlighting how quickly they resolved further issues on the final day to get him back out on track. For the Italian, the headline time mattered less than the opportunity to gain experience and build understanding with the car.
Antonelli acknowledged there remained plenty to analyse ahead of the second 2026 F1 pre-season testing week in Bahrain, yet he felt encouraged by the balance and feedback of the package, expressing quiet confidence that the momentum could continue into the season opener.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s obviously was a bit of a rough test for me, obviously didn’t get many laps on the board, but still very happy for today. You know, the team did a great job to fix all the issues because we had a little issue today as well, and we were a bit late on track, but the team did an incredible job to, really fix the car quickly and allow me to go on track.
“So, no, very happy about today, not because of the result, but just because I could get some lap and learn the car even more. And yeah, obviously going into next week, there will be a lot of things to work on and to look at, but the car is giving good vibes, and hopefully, we can carry that into next week and then into the start of the season.”
Energy management and set up work key ahead of final Bahrain test
Turning his focus to the second pre-season testing week in Bahrain, Antonelli identified energy management as a key priority, emphasising the need to fine tune deployment across the lap. He explained that consistent and efficient use of electrical power could make a significant difference, particularly over long runs where small margins shape overall performance. Improving that area would help both his own driving and the team’s broader execution.
He also pointed to further gains within the car’s set-up, despite feeling that the underlying pace looked competitive. With Ferrari and Red Bull both showing strong form during the opening days of testing, he expected the fight at the front to be close. The final test will therefore carry added importance, as he and Mercedes aim to maximise every lap before heading to Melbourne.
“Yeah, definitely, the energy management, how to also help the team to maximise even more the deployment throughout the lap, which is crucial. We’ve seen it can really make the difference and having the right deployment and consistent deployment can really help as well, especially in the long run.
“But overall, also on set-up, there’s a few things that we can work on, but I think the pace is pretty strong. Of course, we don’t know what the others are doing. I mean, also Ferrari looks very strong, Red Bull looked very strong in the first two days, so I think it’s going to be a tight fight.
“But overall, we have the last test next week, and it’s going to be important to maximise it in order to be as ready as possible for Melbourne.”
