F1 LIVE | Russell leads in Bahrain, veteran driver prompts red flag

08:00, 13 Feb

Updated: 09:29, 13 Feb

bySamson Ero

This is the live blog for Day 3 of the winter test in Bahrain on Friday, 13 February 2026. Read everything about what happened on and around the track, with GPblog reporter Nicole Mulder present on site.

Day 3 of testing in Bahrain gets underway

The second day of testing at the Sakhir event witnessed Charles Leclerc roar to the top of the timing sheet. The Scuderia Ferrari driver posted the quickest time of the day with a 1:34.273. The Monegasque’s lap also became the overall fastest of the two days of testing so far, over five-tenths ahead of Lando Norris’ time of 1:34.784.

Elsewhere, Norris also hit out at Max Verstappen after the Dutch driver likened the current regulation F1 cars to Formula E cars on steroids. The McLaren driver stated Verstappen could retire if he enjoys the new regulation cars less. The reigning champion also highlighted how drivers are paid handsomely and can adjust to the demands of the new regulations.

Several drivers who missed out on the second day of running in Bahrain, including Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Lance Stroll and Franco Colapinto, will return for a final taste of the three-day test.