McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has pledged full support for drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to extract maximum performance from the MCL40, acknowledging the increased challenge they face in managing the new 2026 power units. The team leaves pre-season testing encouraged by reliability and a growing understanding of the car's potential.
Lewis Hamilton enters his first season with Ferrari mentally refreshed, admitting he lost his way last year. After a positive winter test, the seven-time champion is re-energized and determined to lead the Scuderia's fight back to the front of the grid.
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Oscar Piastri leaves Bahrain pre-season testing feeling optimistic about McLaren's MCL40, citing a smooth and informative test program. However, the Australian driver realistically notes the team is not at the front of the competitive order, setting the stage for a crucial development battle as the new F1 season begins.
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella conceded that Ferrari and Mercedes look to have a performance edge after pre-season testing in Bahrain, placing the reigning champions in an early chasing role. He confirmed no major car upgrades are planned for the season opener in Melbourne, emphasizing weight reduction as a key focus.
Initial safety fears over F1's complex 2026 race start procedure have been eased after a successful multi-car test in Bahrain. McLaren's Mark Temple reported the trial starts looked "pretty normal," alleviating concerns that manual turbo management could lead to dangerous stalls and pile-ups when the new power unit regulations debut.
McLaren's final pre-season test day in Bahrain was disrupted by a 'small chassis issue' that delayed Lando Norris's afternoon running. While it prevented a full race simulation, the team completed valuable laps and a strong practice start, concluding an overall positive test program ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
Ahead of F1's major 2026 regulation overhaul, McLaren CEO Zak Brown assesses Mercedes and Ferrari as the early standouts, with Red Bull also a threat. While placing McLaren in the 'big four,' Brown admits they aren't the favorites initially but plans to leverage their strong development record to fight for wins as the season progresses.
Oscar Piastri warns that F1's new 2026 power units have made race starts dramatically more complex and unpredictable. He says drivers face 'big pitfalls' and expects chaotic getaways in the opening rounds as the grid struggles to master the altered launch procedures.
Oscar Piastri is changing his trackside team for 2026, with manager Mark Webber attending fewer races. He is bringing in his former F2 engineer and a mental coach, aiming for a more tailored support system as he challenges at the front with McLaren.
Mercedes and Ferrari have emerged as the teams to beat following F1's 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain, with McLaren and Red Bull close behind. The biggest story is the disastrous test for Aston Martin, which completed the fewest laps due to severe reliability issues with its new Honda power unit, putting it at a major disadvantage before the season even starts.
The final 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain revealed a stark divide: Ferrari impressed with strong pace and innovation, while Aston Martin was crippled by Honda engine failures. Newcomer Cadillac showed promising speed, and Haas emerged as a potential midfield leader ahead of the season opener in Melbourne.
