India, Feb. 20 -- Mercedes driver George Russell was fastest on the first day of Formula 1's final testing event ahead of the new season, edging McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. In the afternoon session at the Bahrain International Circuit on Wednesday, Russell had a time of 1:33.459, surpassing Piastri's 1:33.739 achieved in the morning. Leclerc finished 0.28 behind the leader.

"Overall, it has been a productive day," Piastri said. "My running in the afternoon felt solid and we made good progress. I am feeling more comfortable with each lap, so I am looking forward to getting back out on the track tomorrow afternoon."

World champion Lando Norris was half a second back in fourth place. "We got some good laps under ...