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Feb 22
Freestyle skier Zoe Atkin wins bronze in record-equalling medal haul for Team GB at Winter Olympics

It means a record-equalling medal tally of five for Team GB, which already secured three golds, more than at any other winter Games, as well as a silver in the men's curling on Saturday. The haul of five medals was also achieved in 2014 and 2018. Atkin, from Massachusetts, who has held dual UK-American citizenship since birth, came into the Games having won the superpipe competition at last month's Aspen X Games. Halfpipe skiing involves an athlete performing tricks on a U-shaped course made of hard-packed snow. Last weekend, Team GB made history with two golds: the first for Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale in the mixed team snowboarding, and the second for Matt Weston and Tabby Stoecker in the mixed team skeleton. It was the first time Team GB had secured two gold medals on a single day of any previous Winter Games. It is also the second gold at these Games for Weston, who separately took the men's singles skeleton. Director of Performance at UK Sport, Dr Kate Baker, told Sky News: "It's absolutely been an historic games for Team GB. It's incredible to come away with so many Olympic champions to that point. "We've never had more than one gold medal at a games before, and so to come home with multiple is absolutely brilliant." Team GB missed out on a gold on Saturday, settling for silver in the men's curling, after losing to Canada in a tense final. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

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No Writer
Feb 22
BAFTA nominations 2026: The full list of stars and films shortlisted for awards

One Battle After Another leads the nominations with 14, while Sinners has 13, and Marty Supreme and Hamnet each have 11. There are 26 categories in total, including the public-voted rising star award. Here is the list of nominations in full. Best filmHamnetMarty SupremeOne Battle After AnotherSentimental ValueSinners Best actor Robert Aramayo - I SwearTimothee Chalamet - Marty SupremeLeonardo DiCaprio - One Battle After AnotherEthan Hawke - Blue MoonMichael B Jordan - SinnersJesse Plemons - Bugonia Best actressJessie Buckley - HamnetRose Byrne - If I Had Legs I'd Kick YouKate Hudson - Song Sung BlueChase Infiniti - One Battle After AnotherRenate Reinsve - Sentimental ValueEmma Stone - Bugonia Outstanding British film 28 Years LaterThe Ballad Of Wallis IslandBridget Jones: Mad About The BoyDie My LoveH Is For HawkHamnetI SwearMr BurtonPillionSteve Outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producerThe Ceremony - Jack King (director, writer), Hollie Bryan (producer), Lucy Meer (producer)My Father's Shadow - Akinola Davies Jr (director), Wale Davies (writer)Pillion - Harry Lighton (director, writer)A Want In Her - Myrid Carten (director)Wasteman - Cal McMau (director), Hunter Andrews (writer), Eoin Doran (writer) Best adapted screenplayThe Ballad Of Wallis Island - Tom Basden, Tim KeyBugonia - Will TracyHamnet - Chloé Zhao, Maggie O'FarrellOne Battle After Another - Paul Thomas AndersonPillion - Harry Lighton Best original screenplayI Swear - Kirk JonesMarty Supreme - Ronald Bronstein, Josh SafdieThe Secret Agent - Kleber Mendonca FilhoSentimental Value - Eskil Vogt, Joachim TrierSinners - Ryan Coogler Non-English language filmIt Was Just An AccidentThe Secret AgentSentimental ValueSiratThe Voice Of Hind Rajab Best directorBugonia - Yorgos LanthimosHamnet - Chloe ZhaoMarty Supreme - Josh SafdieOne Battle After Another - Paul Thomas AndersonSentimental Value - Joachim TrierSinners - Ryan Coogler Best supporting actressOdessa A'Zion - Marty SupremeInga Ibsdotter Lilleaas - Sentimental ValueWunmi Mosaku - SinnersCarey Mulligan - The Ballad of Wallis IslandTeyana Taylor - One Battle After AnotherEmily Watson - Hamnet Best supporting actorBenicio Del Toro - One Battle After AnotherJacob Elordi - FrankensteinPaul Mescal - HamnetPeter Mullan - I SwearSean Penn - One Battle After AnotherStellan Skarsgard - Sentimental Value Best children's and family filmArcoBoongLilo & StitchZootropolis 2 Best costumeFrankensteinHamnetMarty SupremeSinnersWicked: For Good Special visual effectsAvatar: Fire And AshF1FrankensteinHow To Train Your DragonThe Lost Bus Production designFrankensteinHamnetMarty SupremeOne Battle After AnotherSinners SoundF1FrankensteinOne Battle After AnotherSinnersWarfare Make-up and hairFrankensteinHamnetMarty SupremeSinnersWicked: For Good Best original scoreBugoniaFrankensteinHamnetOne Battle After AnotherSinners Best animated filmElioLittle AmelieZootropolis 2 British short animationCardboardSolsticeTwo Black Boys In Paradise Best British short filmMagid/ ZafarNostalgieTerenceThis Is EndometriosisWelcome Home Freckles CastingI SwearMarty SupremeOne Battle After AnotherSentimental ValueSinners CinematographyFrankensteinMarty SupremeOne Battle After AnotherSinnersTrain Dreams EditingF1A House Of DynamiteMarty SupremeOne Battle After AnotherSinners Best documentary2000 Meters to AndriivkaApocalypse In The TropicsCover-UpMr Nobody Against PutinThe Perfect Neighbor Rising star - voted for by the publicArchie Madekwe - LurkerChase Infiniti - One Battle After AnotherMiles Caton - SinnersRobert Aramayo - I SwearPosy Sterling - Lollipop The 2026 BAFTA film awards ceremony takes place on Sunday 22 February at London's Royal Festival Hall.

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Amanda Akass, political correspondent
Feb 21
Over 1,000 councillors sign Palestine solidarity pledge amid claims of 'political opportunism'

With so many Labour-run councils already in jeopardy in the forthcoming local elections, campaigners believe this could be a deciding issue in key areas. But the Israeli embassy says the pledge is a "disgraceful effort at intimidation". In total, 1,028 councillors have now signed up to "uphold the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people" and ensure their council is not complicit in what they claim are "Israel's violations of international law", such as divesting from pension funds invested in arms companies. Among the signatories is Hackney Green councillor Zoe Garbett. "I think that this is really important to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people and to make sure that we can make ethical investments," she told Sky News, adding this was an issue residents had raised with the council. "They want to see their council representing them on a national level," she said. "We know that most people really want to see an end to the genocide in Gaza, and an end to wars and conflicts all across the world, and they want to see their local representatives standing up for them." Israel denies the accusations of genocide in Gaza. Most signatories from Greens and Labour So far, 345 of the councillors who've signed the Palestine Pledge are from the Greens, followed by 338 from Labour, 104 Lib Dems, 38 members of the SNP, 17 from Plaid Cymru, 12 from Your Party, three Conservatives and many more independents. Labour has long been divided on the issue of Gaza. The prime minister's initial reluctance to call for a ceasefire after the October 7 attacks led to a drop in support among Muslim communities at the last election. Four Labour MPs lost their seats to pro-Palestinian candidates in July 2024, and the party is now under increasing pressure from other parties on the left. Read more: What's happening with this year's local elections? The pledge provides a rough indication of where it could be a factor in the local elections. In Labour-dominated Islington, 59% of councillors pledged, mostly from Labour. In Tower Hamlets, 49% have signed up, nearly all from the controlling group on the council, Aspire, and none from the Labour block of 16 councillors. In Sheffield, where no party currently has overall control, 24% have signed up - including 13 Greens and seven Labour councillors. But in Labour-controlled Bradford, 29% have signed up - the majority are Greens and independents. In Hackney - where there have been big debates over the issue of divestment - 16% have pledged, with just three of them from Labour. Pledges from Labour left While the prime minister recognised Palestinian statehood in September, many on the Labour left would like to see him do more. "I think that so many Labour councillors have been so keen to sign the Palestine pledge as councillors because it puts on record that support for Palestine and distinguishes them from the position taken by the leader of the Labour Party," Richard Burgon, Labour MP for Leeds East, said. The pledge was launched by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign - the group behind many of the protest marches in support of the Palestinian cause - and supported by four other organisations, the Palestinian Youth Movement Britain, the Palestinian Forum in Britain, The Muslim Vote and the British Palestinian Committee. 'Dangerous road to go down' Former MP Lord Steve McCabe, from Labour Friends of Israel, is concerned about the potential impact of the pledge, saying the campaign was "trying to interfere in local elections" and "encourage councils to develop their own foreign policies". "I think it's a dangerous road to go down. I think undoubtedly it could create tensions in some communities," he said. Lord McCabe added that the campaign comes at a time of heightened antisemitism. He said: "Jewish people are alarmed. They're scared to go to their synagogue. Sometimes they're frightened to walk the streets of their own community. How this will do anything to relieve tensions, I can't see." A spokesperson from the Israeli embassy in London said: "Contrary to what has been portrayed in the campaign, Israel is actively engaged in implementing the 20-point programme established by the Board of Peace. "It is regrettable to see small-scale political opportunism and grifting carried out on the backs of people in the Middle East. "The BDS [Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions] campaign is a disgraceful effort at intimidation that echoes some of the darkest chapters of history. Calls for boycott[s] should be rejected." Government needs to 'wake up', says senior Tory Conservative shadow communities secretary James Cleverly also shared his concern about the boycotts. "This Labour Government must wake up to the growing antisemitism in town halls across the country," he said. "Councillors, including many Labour and Green ones, are signing up to Israel boycotts, which are frequently a cover for attacking Jewish people and culture. And they are being deployed in a cynical, sectarian way to try and win votes. "Keir Starmer pledged to eradicate anti-Jewish hate from his party - but it clearly persists at the local level." A Labour spokesperson responded: "In September, alongside our international partners, the Labour government took the historic decision to recognise the state of Palestine. "Palestinians and Israelis alike have the right to live in peace, free from violence and suffering. We continue to work closely with international partners to progress phase two of the peace plan. "With Keir Starmer's leadership, we have rooted antisemitism out of the Labour Party and the government is continuing to step up its efforts to tackle antisemitism wherever it rears its head across society." Read more from Sky News:Gorton and Denton by-election: The UK's first crucial voteAnalysis: Starmer has even more to lose after latest U-turn Dan Iley-Williamson, political organiser at the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said local authorities "administer pension funds that invest more than £12bn in companies enabling Israel's crimes, including in arms firms that make the bombs and bullets used to kill Palestinians". "The mass movement for Palestine - which has brought millions onto Britain's streets - is not going away," he added. "Vote Palestine will take our demands into the May elections and deliver a message to those seeking office: If you want our votes, stand up for Palestine."

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No Writer
Feb 21
Super League: St Helens hold on for 20-18 win over Leigh Leopards as Leeds Rhinos run riot in 46-14 victory over York Knights

It was Saints' first home game under new head coach Paul Rowley and they made sure to get their campaign on home turf off to a winning start, making up for their opening loss to Warrington Wolves in round one. The visiting Leopards had a narrow 16-12 advantage at half-time, going over through Josh Charnley, Innes Senior and Bailey Hodgson, with Adam Cook converting two of the tries. Hull KR hold off Brisbane comeback to win World Club ChallengeSuper League 2026 - fixtures for regular season and play-offsNot got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free on NOWDownload Sky Sports app for expert analysis, video and more Meanwhile, St Helens had got on the scoreboard through Daryl Clark and Kyle Feldt, Jackson Hastings converting one plus adding a penalty from the tee. Leigh were the first to score in the second half through a Cook penalty but then it was all St Helens as a Joe Shorrocks converted try and a Hastings penalty put them 20-18 ahead. They then held on to that lead for over 20 minutes to claim the points. St Helens had to contend with an early change too as Jonny Lomax left the field with a wrist injury which saw Tristan Sailor back in the halves and Harry Robertson at full-back off the bench. Leigh rue errors as Saints grind out win With the Leopards on away turf, it did not take long for them to get going as they sliced through St Helens, Charnley getting to finish things off in the corner in the fourth minute for a 4-0 lead. However, St Helens soon hit back as, after a period of pressure, Clark scooted out from dummy half and Hastings converted to put them 6-4 up inside 10 minutes. In the process, Saints did suffer a crop of injuries as Lomax left the field and then Nene MacDonald limped off just after 20 minutes, moving Robertson to full-back and Matt Whitley into the centres. After a successful captain's challenge in the 22nd minute, the home team moved 8-4 in front as Hastings sent over a penalty conversion. The Leopards replied as Senior and Hodgson went over on the same edge within nine minutes of each other, Cook converting both to put his side 16-8 in front. Just before half-time, St Helens struck again as Leigh made a mistake by letting the restart bounce back into the home team's possession. Off the back of it Saints bided their time then sent it out wide for Feldt to acrobatically finish in the corner and bring the score to 16-12. Both sides had struggled defensively throughout the first 40 and that continued in the second half. The first points went the way of Leigh as Cook slotted over a penalty for Saints being offside at the scrum. But just two minutes later, off the back of a good set started by Robertson, Shorrocks powered over and Hastings converted to bring the scores level at 18-18. Leigh then had a period of individual errors leading to massive pressure, Liam Horne and Cook causing the issues and giving Saints ample opportunities which saw them send a penalty over for a narrow 20-18 advantage with just over 20 minutes remaining. After that, both sides chanced their arm, but it was St Helens with more territory and chances and despite not getting more points on the board they had Leigh where they wanted them. Leeds run riot against York ahead of Las Vegas Leeds put Super League newboys York Knights to the sword with a 46-14 victory at Headingley. Brad Arthur's side ran in eight tries as they registered their first win of the season. The Rhinos opened the scoring in the 12th minute when James McDonnell collected Jake Connor's kick to cross the line. Paul Vaughan hit back for the visitors after cleverly spinning the tackle and Liam Harris' conversion made it 6-6. But Leeds put their foot down and forged ahead in the 30th minute when Maika Sivo went over from close range, with Lachlan Miller finishing a team move two minutes later. Chris Hankinson then scored before half-time as the Rhinos notched their fourth try of a powerful first half, with Connor converting three. Ryan Hall sprinted clear after the restart to extend the lead and then Brodie Croft also crossed the line, minutes after Jordan Thompson had scored York's second try of the night. Harry Newman and a second for Sivo completed the scoring for Leeds, as Scott Galeano's last-gasp try for York did little to change the scoreline. 2026 Super League - key dates and what to look out forRugby League in Las Vegas: Sat Feb 28: Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos, 11.30pm (Sky Sports)Super League's 30th birthday: Thu Mar 26: Castleford Tigers vs Bradford Bulls, 8pm (Sky Sports)Rivals Round: April 3-April 5Super League in Paris: Sat Jun 6: Catalans Dragons vs Wigan Warriors (Paris), 6:30 UK (Sky Sports)Magic Weekend: July 4-July 5Rivals Round reversed: July 23-July 26Elimination Play-offs: September 19-September 20Play-off semi-finals: September 26-September 27Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford. Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season - including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on Sky Sports+

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Mark Stone, US correspondent
Feb 22
Trump bumps up global tariffs - creating more mess and uncertainty for the world

The president has announced a tariff of 15% globally. Now you might be thinking "didn't he set it at 10% on Friday?" Yes he did. But now he's raised it to 15%. The latest pronouncement came - on Truth Social, of course - just before lunchtime on Saturday. Here's the full post and we've highlighted the key bits: What does all this mean? It's a good question and one which governments globally are asking themselves, not for the first time. The president is using a new statute - a new avenue effectively - to levy duties on foreign goods temporarily, because the old statute, which he'd been using since Liberation Day last April, was deemed illegal. That happened on Friday when the Supreme Court (the highest court in the land) ruled by a majority of six to three that the president's methods to impose tariffs were unconstitutional. Six of the justices ruled the tariffs exceed the powers given to the president by Congress under a 1977 law providing him the authority to regulate commerce during national emergencies created by foreign threats. So the president and his team are looking for new ways - new statutes - to recoup some of his losses (should he have to repay the tariffs - the Supreme Court, unhelpfully, did not pass judgment on this) and to replace his tariff system. Remember this vital point: so much of Trump's policies, his power, his ability to call the world to heel has been based on his ability to strike any country he wants with crippling tariffs. So, his immediate response to the Supreme Court decision was to use a different mechanism - Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to be precise - to impose 10% global tariffs. He had the option to impose 15%, not 10%, and on Saturday, just a day after setting it at 10, he raised it to 15. Read more from Sky News:Vitali Klitschko tells Sky News his message to Donald TrumpHouston, NASA's next moon mission has a problem That can only last 150 days. That's why he says in his social media post that he will look for new ways of levying duties. As ever with all this, nothing is clear-cut. There are exemptions, including on agricultural products, steel and cars, but there is confusion over this as governments seek clarity. It's a whole world of mess and uncertainty, again, for the whole world.

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No Writer
Feb 22
Eric Dane: Fundraiser for family of late Grey's Anatomy actor surpasses £200,000

The US star, also known for his role in the HBO series Euphoria, had the condition amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Dane announced he had developed the progressive neurodegenerative disease last year. A fundraiser was set up by friends of Dane and his family to raise $500,000 (£370,000) for his two teenage daughters "who were the centre of his world". Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and his wife Ashley appeared to have donated $27,000 (£20,000) to the GoFundMe platform. Brad Falchuck, Glee co-creator and husband of Gwyneth Paltrow, donated $10,000 (£7,400). The US actor's death was confirmed on Friday by his representatives, who said he had been surrounded by wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, daughters Billie and Georgia, and friends. Hollywood actors have been paying tribute, including co-star Patrick Dempsey, Ashton Kutcher, Alyssa Milano, John Stamos, Nina Dobrev, Maria Shriver, Grey's Anatomy boss Shonda Rhimes and Euphoria creator Levinson. Dane is best known for playing the fan favourite Dr Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan on the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy from 2006 until 2012, with a guest appearance in 2021. He more recently starred in the HBO hit drama Euphoria alongside Jacob Elordi and Zendaya, playing the conflicted antagonist Cal Jacobs. Dane and Gayheart married in 2004, and separated in September 2017. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, but later filed to have the petition dismissed. She described their dynamic as "very complicated" in a December essay she wrote for New York magazine's The Cut, adding: "Our love may not be romantic, but it's a familial love." The model and photographer Janell Shirtcliff also shared her memories of Dane in a series of Instagram posts on Saturday. Read more from Sky News:Full list: BAFTA nominations 2026Abbey Road opens doors for a raveStars discuss The Ballad Of Wallis Island The GoFundMe fundraising page, described as supporting "his girls and their future needs", described Dane's battle with the condition. "Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness. "Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease," it read. Gayheart shared a photo of the GoFundMe on her Instagram stories at its launch, captioning it: "Thank-you everyone." Dane is also known for his roles in Charmed, Burlesque, Marley & Me and Valentine's Day and between 2014 and 2018 he played Tom Chandler in post-apocalyptic action series The Last Ship.

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Deborah Haynes, security and defence editor
Feb 20
UK has not agreed to let US strike Iran from British bases, Sky News understands

The Times first reported the lack of permission. The newspaper said, as a result of the UK's reticence, Donald Trump had withdrawn his support for a deal struck by Sir Keir Starmer to hand the Chagos Islands, which include Diego Garcia, over to Mauritius. US military plans to strike Iran involve the use of a British and American military base on Diego Garcia as well as RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which hosts a US fleet of heavy bombers. Under long-standing agreements between London and Washington, the Pentagon is only able to launch operations from the two sites, as well as other air bases in the UK that are home to US warplanes and personnel, with advance approval from the British government. This has not yet been given in relation to any potential strike against Iran because of concern that such a mission would be a breach of international law, according to The Times. President Trump on Thursday said the world would find out "over the next, probably, 10 days" whether the US would reach a deal with Iran to end its nuclear ambitions - or take military action. He has been surging forces to the Middle East - including two giant aircraft carriers and supporting warships and jets - to increase his options for launching a significant military operation against the Islamic Republic should talks fail. Mr Trump spoke on Tuesday evening by phone with the British prime minister. The topics covered included the Iran crisis, but not the Chagos Islands. However, the following day, the president launched a new attack on Mr Starmer over the Chagos Islands deal, even after his own State Department had said it supported the UK's decision to give the territory to Mauritius and lease back Diego Garcia. In a post on social media, Mr Trump explicitly mentioned the utility of Diego Garcia and Fairford for US military operations against Iran, and appeared to suggest why it would be within international law for the UK to grant such deployments, given that it too could be under threat. "Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime" Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social site. "An attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly countries." He then said: "We will always be ready, willing, and able to fight for the UK, but they have to remain strong in the face of Wokeism, and other problems put before them." Read more:Why is the Chagos Islands deal controversial?Trump to PM: 'Do not give away Diego Garcia' The UK is not thought to be preparing to support the US in any military offensive against Iran. However, the Royal Air Force has deployed six F-35 warplanes to RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus, and sent four Typhoon jets to Qatar, as part of efforts to bolster its own defences in the event of any Iranian counterattack in response to American strikes. On the Chagos Islands deal, the government has repeatedly defended its decision to hand over the territory to Mauritius, saying it would avoid a costly legal battle while securing access to Diego Garcia for 100 years.

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Nigel Chiu in Sakhir
Feb 20
F1 Bahrain Testing: Charles Leclerc sets blistering pace from Lando Norris to finish test on top ahead of Australian Grand Prix

Leclerc was 0.879s quicker than second-placed Lando Norris, who could be on the backfoot at the start of his title defence when the season begins at the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8, live on Sky Sports F1. Ferrari elected to run Leclerc throughout Friday, with Lewis Hamilton watching on from the garage, and the Monegasque driver also impressed with his race simulation on the last day. Who did the best lap times and most laps from Bahrain testing?F1 2026: Calendar, line-ups, new regulations, how to watch on Sky SportsNot got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺 Max Verstappen was third at 1.117s behind Leclerc and George Russell was 1.205s off the Ferrari pace, but Mercedes are still seen by most in the paddock as favourites for the first race in Melbourne. Verstappen appeared to be pushing hard but did not have the single-lap pace of Leclerc, while Russell was three-tenths slower than Mercedes' best time of Bahrain testing, which came from Kimi Antonelli on Thursday - suggesting they were holding back. Antonelli ran in the morning session but was limited to 66 laps due to a loss of pneumatic pressure in the engine, which cost the Italian teenager over two-and-a-half hours as Mercedes needed to change the power unit. They managed to get Russell out on track relatively quickly but he perhaps did not show his car's true potential on his way to completing 82 laps. Aston Martin are in the middle of a nightmare as Lance Stroll completed just six laps, failing to set a lap time due to a battery-related issue for Fernando Alonso on Thursday which limited engine supplier Honda's power-unit parts. Mercedes vs Ferrari in Melbourne? Leclerc's impressive final day has certainly ramped up the hype surrounding F1's famous red team ahead of Melbourne, with nobody getting close to his qualifying simulation. But, it is the long-run pace and race simulations where the pecking order can be best judged from testing since teams may not run the engine at full pelt or have more fuel onboard over a single lap. This can still be the case on long runs to an extent, but Ferrari have been quick across both Bahrain tests over a race stint, with Leclerc conducting a full race simulation at the hottest point of the day on Friday, which was not far off the best race simulations of this week's test. Given the high track temperature which slows the track down, it was a statement run from Leclerc which Ferrari's rivals would have noticed. "The test day was very smooth, we ran through our programme and tested all the things we planned to," said Leclerc, who has been at Ferrari since 2019. "In terms of performance, it's still difficult to understand where we really stand because teams are hiding their true form, so it's important not to focus too much on lap times and prepare for the first race. "We will build step by step and try to understand how to extract the maximum from our car, we have a lot of data to analyse before we arrive in Melbourne and we will see how things go once we are there." The other 'Big Four' teams - Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull - did not complete race simulations on Friday but have shown their potential on other days. Mercedes had the best long-run times, while Red Bull appear to be behind McLaren and certainly Ferrari. Behind that, Alpine and Haas look to be heading the midfield with Racing Bulls, Audi and Williams bringing up the rear of the midfield. Aston Martin and Cadillac are in the battle not to be last, with the former hoping to finish the opening race without any issues, given their unreliable pre-season. Perhaps fittingly, testing ended with a final practice start where Russell started from pole position and Leclerc was the second car on the grid in the fifth grid position. Ferrari have been getting rocketship starts this week due to their small turbo but Russell held Leclerc off this time going down to Turn 1, which may have been a snapshot of what will happen in the season-opener in Melbourne on March 8. Watch every race of the 2026 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports, starting with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime

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