Lando Norris clocked the fastest time on Day 1 of Formula 1 testing at Bahrain, achieving a lap of 1m34.669s in the McLaren MCL40. Max Verstappen followed closely, 0.129 seconds behind, while Charles Leclerc rounded out the top three. McLaren's new car indicates a strong performance potential for the 2026 season, but several teams faced challenges with their setups.

By the Numbers
  • Lando Norris achieved a lap time of 1m34.669s, leading the session.
  • Max Verstappen completed the most laps with a total of 136.
Yes, But

While McLaren and Red Bull showcased reliability and pace, Aston Martin struggled significantly, with Lance Stroll only completing 36 laps due to technical issues.

State of Play
  • McLaren and Red Bull exhibited a strong start to the testing session, indicating competitiveness for the upcoming season.
  • Aston Martin's lack of mileage and various other teams' technical difficulties may impact their preparations.
What's Next

As testing continues, teams will analyze data collected to optimize their new car setups, looking to enhance performance before heading into the new season.

Bottom Line

This early testing suggests McLaren may be a top contender for 2026, while teams like Aston Martin need to rectify significant issues to remain competitive.