The five fastest drivers of preseason testing - and why they're the ones to watch in 2026

 

Preseason testing has wrapped and while the time sheets only tell part of the story, they’ve already given us a glimpse of who could shape the competitive order in 2026. Between refined chassis concepts, bold driver transfers and the first signs of mastery under the new regulations, several names have stood out for all the right reasons. From rising stars showing maturity under pressure to established contenders finding renewed form, these are the five drivers who’ve set the early pace and why they’ll be worth watching when the lights go out in Australia.

Charles Leclerc – Consistency meets confidence in the SF-26

Ferrari’s preseason testing pace once again carried Charles Leclerc’s fingerprints with the Monegasque combining raw speed and mechanical sympathy across both short and long runs. The SF-26 appears more balanced through medium speed corners – traditionally a weak point in recent seasons – allowing Leclerc to extract performance with fewer set up compromises. His confidence over one lap runs was matched by impressive tyre management over race simulations, marking him as an early benchmark driver heading into Australia. With Ferrari’s upgrades delivering both stability and top end efficiency, Leclerc looks poised to lead the early charge against McLaren’s evolving dominance.

George Russell – Refinement and resilience behind the wheel of the W17

George Russell’s testing form underscored his growing stature as Mercedes’ lead driver. The W17 showed notable improvement in rear end stability and Russell wasted no time pushing its limits – frequently among the top three in both morning as well as afternoon sessions. His adaptability to varying fuel loads and set ups gave engineers valuable feedback helping Mercedes fine tune performance windows that eluded them last year. More importantly, his composed rhythm during long runs suggest Russell has built the consistency and technical understanding needed to convert pace potential into podium results once the season begins.

Pierre Gasly – A quiet threat in Alpine’s revamped package

Pierre Gasly’s preseason performance flew slightly under the radar, but those watching closely saw signs of a sharp, composed driver who’s thriving within Alpine’s 2026 reset. The A526’s revised power unit (PU) and lighter rear end dynamics suited Gasly’s smooth style allowing him to carry speed confidently through high load corners. His long run averages were among the most consistent outside the top three teams with encouraging tyre degradation metrics suggesting Alpine could emerge as dark horse early in the year. Gasly’s technical precision and cal demeanour have made him a linchpin in extracting the most of an improving package.

Liam Lawson – Making his mark in VCARB’s new era

Liam Lawson seized his opportunity in preseason testing to solidify his place at VCARB and perhaps prove he belongs in the top tier of the Red Bull family. The New Zealander’s laps were both fast and composed, underscoring the confidence of a driver who has now fully adapted to Formula One’s (F1) demands. The VCARB03 looked agile and efficient, traits Lawson exploited with minimal error across multiple fuel loads. His short run performance put him ahead of his less experienced team on occasion, reinforcing the perception that he’s ready to challenge the midfield and fight consistently for points.

Kimi Antonelli – Composure beyond his years

At just 19, Kimi Antonelli’s second preseason in F1 has left a lasting impression. Despite limited experience, the Mercedes junior demonstrated impressive maturity, delivering clean, competitive laps and showing acute awareness of tyre behaviour often matching Russell’s pace in similar conditions. His feedback reportedly impressed engineers, highlighting a level of technical understanding for a rising star. Far from overwhelmed by the spotlight, Antonelli’s smooth and confident driving hinted at long term potential in addition to justified Mercedes’ faith in fast tracking him to race seat in 2025.

Preseason testing rarely tells the full story but it does set the tone is competitive, confident and unpredictable. The drivers who impressed most weren’t just the quickest over one lap but those who combined pace and poised adapting to new machinery along with regulations tweaks with maturity. From Leclerc reaffirming Ferrari’s intent to Antonelli’s composed maturity, each showcased qualities that hint at fiercely contested campaign ahead. If testing is any indicated, this year’s grid is not only faster but hungrier and the fight at the front could be than ever when racing begins in Australia.

By Charlie Gardner 

📸 Imagery courtesy of Formula One (F1) and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team