The Monegasque driver set a best time of 1:29.735 to edge out defending world champion Verstappen by 0.033s.
On the soft compound tyres, Leclerc, who didn't break cover until halfway through the session, set a time of 1m 30.772s in the closing stages.
There was a lot of expectations on the team going into the season as many had predicted them to fight for the constructor's championship.
2021 was the first season with the team for the Spaniard and he ended up in fifth place in the driver's championship.
The 2019 Bahrain GP was, in hindsight, a tale of Ferrari's struggles to come. Three years later, they are back on top.
The 2022 Formula 1 season got underway with the Bahrain GP where Ferrari claimed a 1-2 finish and Red Bull struggled for pace and reliability.
Mercedes have had to deal with a slew of problems since pre-season testing and nobody expected them to finish on the podium.
Verstappen was only 0.123s ahead of Sainz, who couldn't improve on his first run and finished third by 0.129s.
Ahead of the 2022 F1 season, we take a look at the young drivers who will be keen to take the next step in their careers.
The first race of the season might very well see some newer faces on the podium, but the usual suspects should never be counted out.