Charles Leclerc left everyone in his dust. © APA/afp / GIUSEPPE CACACE

The Tifosi are hoping: Ferrari will stun the competition

Charles Leclerc dominated the competition at the conclusion of official Formula 1 testing in the new Ferrari. Around two weeks before the season opener, the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the 28-year-old Monegasque driver clearly relegated world champion Lando Norris to second place.

February 20, 2026

From: dpa

The Briton, whose McLaren required lengthy repairs in the afternoon, was a significant 0,817 seconds slower than Leclerc on his best lap. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen finished third in his Red Bull, 1,117 seconds behind. George Russell came in fourth in his Mercedes (+1,205).

The new Audi team, with Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto from Brazil, finished in 15th and 7th place respectively. However, the times and positions are only of limited significance. The teams run different programs, and fuel loads can vary considerably. Furthermore, some opt for softer, and therefore faster, tires, while others choose more durable, but slower, tires.

Aston Martin is fighting

Aston Martin also faced significant problems on the final day of practice. After experiencing battery issues the previous day, which this season provides roughly half of the car's 900 horsepower, and running out of spare parts, the team managed a paltry six laps – and not even timed ones.

Lando Norris finished second. © APA/afp / GIUSEPPE CACACE

With over two hours to go before the scheduled end, the team concluded the final day of testing, while Leclerc really turned up the heat and completed the fastest of his 132 laps.