The 2026 Formula 1 preseason testing kicked off in Bahrain with a bold statement: Lando Norris, the newly-crowned world champion, isn’t slowing down anytime soon. McLaren’s star driver dominated the first day, clocking a blistering 1:34.669—a time that left even Max Verstappen, last year’s title contender, trailing by 0.129 seconds. But here’s where it gets controversial: is McLaren’s early lead a sign of things to come, or just a fleeting moment in the unpredictable world of F1?
Norris, sporting the coveted number one on his car for the first time, shared driving duties with teammate Oscar Piastri, as McLaren set a solid pace in Sakhir. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s Red Bull completed a staggering 131 laps, hinting that their new engine project might be a reliability game-changer. Yet, despite the impressive mileage, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished third, over a second behind Norris—a gap that raises questions about the Scuderia’s early form.
And this is the part most people miss: Mercedes, the team that dominated the private Shakedown event in Barcelona last month, had a surprisingly subdued day. Preseason favorite George Russell and Kimi Antonelli managed just 75 laps, with neither driver setting times that turned heads. Is this a minor hiccup, or a sign that Mercedes isn’t as far ahead as everyone thought?
Williams, on the other hand, made a strong comeback after missing the Shakedown test entirely. Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz logged an impressive 144 laps, a massive morale boost for a team that started the season on the back foot. Aston Martin’s highly anticipated car, the first designed under Adrian Newey’s leadership, also made its debut, though Lance Stroll’s 36 laps left fans wanting more. Newey, however, remains unfazed, hinting that fresh upgrades are already in the works.
F1’s new teams also made their mark: Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez clocked 104 laps, while Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriele Bortoleto combined for 118. But with lap times still not fully representative at this stage, the real question is: who’s truly ahead?
McLaren’s Zak Brown believes the top of the grid is too close to call. “If I had to bet, the big four are the big four, but the order is anyone’s guess,” he told Sky Sports. Mercedes’ strength in Spain, Verstappen’s consistency, and McLaren’s early pace all point to a tightly contested season.
But here’s the real controversy: Is the grid as balanced as it seems, or are teams like Mercedes and Ferrari holding back their true potential? And what does this mean for the underdog teams like Williams and Aston Martin?
As the first day of testing wraps up, one thing is clear: the 2026 season is shaping up to be a thriller. What do you think? Is McLaren the real deal, or will another team rise to the top? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
