Lando Norris Leads Day 1 of F1 Testing in Bahrain with McLaren
Lando Norris of McLaren has started the 2026 Formula 1 preseason testing on a high note, marking Day 1 with an impressive performance at the Bahrain International Circuit. Norris clocked the fastest lap of the day at 1:34.669, edging out Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 0.129 seconds. This marks an important moment for Norris, as he carries the number one on his car for the first time, after securing the world championship title last season.
McLaren’s Strong Start
Norris shared driving responsibilities with teammate Oscar Piastri as McLaren kicked off the three-day test session in Sakhir. The team demonstrated strong reliability and pace, completing a total of 58 laps by Norris and a further 54 laps by Piastri.
Day 1 Results
The testing results for Day 1 revealed a competitive field. The following highlights were noted:
- Lando Norris (McLaren): 1:34.669 (58 laps)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull): 1:34.798 (136 laps)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): 1:35.190 (80 laps)
- Esteban Ocon (Haas): 1:35.578 (115 laps)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren): 1:35.602 (54 laps)
- George Russell (Mercedes-AMG): 1:36.108 (56 laps)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): 1:36.433 (52 laps)
- Yuki Tsunoda (Alpine): 1:36.765 (49 laps)
- Nico Hülkenberg (Audi): 1:36.861 (73 laps)
- Alex Albon (Williams): 1:37.437 (68 laps)
Observations from the Circuit
Despite Norris’ standout performance, Mercedes did not deliver as expected. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli collectively managed only 75 laps, with their times failing to impress. Team principal Zak Brown from McLaren noted that it is still early in testing, suggesting little can be concluded about the competitive landscape at this stage.
Upcoming Predictions
As preseason testing continues, experts anticipate more definitive insights into team performances. McLaren appears optimistic, while the historically strong Mercedes team will aim to improve in the remaining days.
Other Notable Performances
Not to be overlooked, Williams and Aston Martin also showed considerable progress. Williams drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz combined for an impressive total of 144 laps, marking a solid start to their season. Meanwhile, Aston Martin, operating under new leadership, faced challenges but remains focused on their development plans.
As the preseason testing unfolds, fans and teams alike are eager to see how the upcoming races will shape up, starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix in April. The next two days are expected to provide clearer indications of team dynamics and performance capabilities.
