Lewis Hamilton was fifth-fastest in his first session of preseason testing with Ferrari as his successor at Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, posted the fastest time.

The start of preseason testing in Bahrain on Wednesday was a major landmark in the lead-up to the new Formula One season, giving all 10 teams a first opportunity to complete extended running with their new cars. With the season opener in Australia just weeks away, every lap at Bahrain International Circuit across all three days is precious.

Mercedes were forced to correct an error on the first day of Formula One testing after forgetting to remove a reference to Lewis Hamilton from their car. The 40-year-old departed in emotional scenes back in December, having won six Drivers' World Championship titles in his 12-year stint with the Silver Arrows.