Lando Norris topped the Bahrain pre-season test timesheets with a 1m33.453s lap, narrowly edging out Max Verstappen by 0.131s. The McLaren driver's time came during a morning session where teams focused on race simulations rather than outright pace. George Russell completed the top three, while Alex Albon placed fourth for Williams.

Ferrari grabbed headlines with a rotating rear wing that turned 180-degrees under specific conditions before reverting under braking. However, the Italian team's session was disrupted when Lewis Hamilton encountered a chassis issue after just five laps, forcing him to miss most running. Hamilton eventually returned for FIA systems checks in the final minutes.

Audi faced reliability troubles as Gabriel Bortoleto managed only 29 laps due to hydraulics problems. The Brazilian still secured fifth place after returning late in the session. Fernando Alonso had another quiet day for Aston Martin, finishing ninth and four seconds off Norris's pace. The test highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing reliability with performance as teams prepare for the season opener.