Charles Leclerc set the pace in the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, putting Ferrari at the top of the timesheets ahead of Isack Hadjar and Lando Norris.

Leclerc posted a 1:37.528, with Hadjar finishing just 0.092 seconds behind in the Racing Bulls. Norris was third, while Max Verstappen ended the session fourth after opting not to use the soft tyre during the closing stages.

The session began under threatening skies, with a 90% chance of rain prompting all 22 drivers to head onto the circuit immediately. Most initially used medium tyres, while McLaren, Cadillac and Pierre Gasly opted for softs.

Verstappen established the early benchmark with a 1:37.785, briefly leading George Russell. Mercedes subsequently switched to soft tyres, although Russell abandoned his qualifying simulation after running into trouble in the final sector.

Leclerc moved to the top midway through the session, before Hadjar jumped into second. Verstappen remained on the mediums while much of the field completed longer runs on the softer compound.

There was also a close encounter between Gabriel Bortoleto and Lewis Hamilton, with the Sauber driver forced to take avoiding action. The incident was reported to the stewards for investigation.

Bortoleto’s session ended with two minutes remaining when his Audi stopped at the side of the circuit, triggering a Virtual Safety Car.

Hamilton finished fifth, ahead of Oscar Piastri, Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Liam Lawson and Gasly.

The drivers return for FP3 on Saturday at 12:30 local time, followed by qualifying at 16:00.

Bahrain Grand Prix 2026: FP2 Results

Leclerc’s 1:37.528 put him 0.099 seconds ahead of Hadjar, with Norris another 0.038 seconds back. Verstappen remained on the medium tyre during the closing stages, while Bortoleto’s late stoppage triggered a Virtual Safety Car. 

Note: the session took place at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix.