F1 | Bahrain test: positive signals from McLaren as MCL40 improves, Norris and Piastri feedback
It was a productive day for McLaren with the new MCL40: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were satisfied with the car’s performance, although there is still plenty of work to do. The MCL40 is beginning to find its rhythm during the Bahrain F1 tests, with both drivers providing positive feedback after the first day of running. The final session at Sakhir kicked off with an impressive performance from the two Mercedes-powered drivers: George Russell set the fastest time at 1:33.459, just ten thousandths of a second ahead of Oscar Piastri, who was at the wheel of McLaren’s new car.
It was an overall productive day for McLaren in Bahrain. The MCL40 was first entrusted to Lando Norris and then to Oscar Piastri, with the pair completing a total of 124 laps. The Australian driver set the quicker lap time, taking advantage of the track’s improved conditions. Led by Andrea Stella, the Woking-based team continues to collect vital data, even though some paddock chatter described McLaren as “a step behind” Mercedes.
Norris happy with the mileage completed in the MCL40
“We completed some good laps this morning, working on different types of runs and gradually getting more confidence with the car,” explained Lando Norris at the end of the day. “The conditions were a bit different compared to last week, with variable wind and slightly lower temperatures in the morning than in the afternoon, which gave us a little more grip.”
“We learn a little more every day, but there are still many things to fully understand,” he concluded, emphasizing that the team is building knowledge lap by lap.
Piastri feeling more comfortable in the McLaren
“Overall it was a productive day,” confirmed Oscar Piastri. “My work in the afternoon was solid and we made good progress. The conditions were different compared to last week, with higher temperatures during my session combined with different wind conditions, so it was useful to gain this experience in the car.”
“I feel increasingly comfortable lap after lap and I can’t wait to get back on track,” added the Australian, who is scheduled to return to the wheel of the MCL40 on the afternoon of Day 2.
McLaren’s successful opening day in Bahrain has provided a solid foundation for the rest of the week, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both highlighting the value of the 124 laps completed. While the team acknowledges there is still much to learn about the MCL40’s nuances, the growing confidence of the drivers and the competitive lap times suggest that McLaren is heading in the right direction as they prepare for the first Grand Prix of the 2026 season.
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