> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.the-race.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Leclerc fastest for Ferrari on busiest morning of first 2026 test - URL: https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/charles-leclerc-ferrari-fastest-f1-2026-barcelona-test-final-morning/ - Published: 2026-01-30T12:45:04.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-30T18:22:26.000Z - Description: Charles Leclerc produced Ferrari's best laptime of the week on the final morning of F1's first pre-season test, with an effort that puts him close to the overall benchmark set by Mercedes - Author: Jon Noble - Tags: Formula 1, #hide-countdown, #ferrari, #charles-leclerc Charles Leclerc produced Ferrari's best laptime of the week on the final morning of Formula 1's first pre-season test, with an effort that puts him close to the overall benchmark set by Mercedes. During a busy morning of track action, as eight cars ran at the same time, Leclerc completed decent mileage, with his best effort being a 1m16.653s. This is just two tenths of a second slower than [Mercedes driver George Russell managed](https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/new-aston-martin-red-flags-fourth-day-of-f1-testing/) on Thursday to set the fastest time of the week so far. While testing times are heavily influenced by fuel loads, run programmes and car settings, Leclerc's delivery of a lap that is in the range of Mercedes - which completed its final day of running on Thursday - caps a week where Ferrari has been encouraged by a strong level of reliability. McLaren's Oscar Piastri was second fastest as he got back to work after being forced to sit out Thursday afternoon because of a [fuel system problem](https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclarens-early-setback-as-rivals-set-very-high-bar/). The Australian completed 79 laps and set a best time of 1m17.446s, which is one second slower than Russell's best effort. Max Verstappen was finally able to get testing again for Red Bull, with the squad having received [spare parts](https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/red-bull-sitting-out-barcelona-f1-2026-test-day-four-new-parts/) from its Milton Keynes base to replace those broken by Isack Hadjar in his [sizeable accident on Tuesday](https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/red-bull-unsure-when-it-can-run-again-after-hadjar-crash/). Despite a small off at Turn 10 in the morning, the four-time F1 world champion was third quickest with a lap of 1m18.285s. The main interest in the morning surrounded Fernando Alonso as he got his first taste of [Adrian Newey's bold AMR26 car](https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/gary-anderson-on-neweys-extreme-first-aston-martin/). Aston Martin had no repeat of the early reliability drama that stopped Lance Stroll on Thursday, as Alonso [completed a series of short runs](https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/alonso-ups-the-pace-as-newey-aston-martin-returns-to-action/) \- although it was noticeable that he was keeping his speed limited on the main straight. Even so, Alonso set a best time of 1m20.795s as he completed a total of 49 laps - with the two-time world champion due to stay in the car for the rest of the day. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dd/af/ddafbd99-2ccd-468c-b622-4b3cccf80b49/content/images/2026/01/G_6PkbhXcAANkfu-1.jpeg) Ollie Bearman completed the most laps of any driver (105) as he and Haas made up for lost time following [two issues](https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/haas-reliability-woes-barcelona-f1-test-wednesday/) on the team's second day of running on Wednesday. Pierre Gasly (Alpine), Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi), and Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) were also in action. ## Friday morning times (unofficial) 1 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m16.653s (78 laps) 2 Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 1m17.446s (80 laps) 3 Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m18.285s (69 laps) 4 Ollie Bearman (Haas) 1m18.423s (106 laps) 5 Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 1m19.754s (78 laps) 6 Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) 1m20.179s (67 laps) 7 Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 1m20.795s (49 laps) 8 Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) 1m22.790s (33 laps)