McLaren team principal Andrea Stella assessed the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, stating that Ferrari and Mercedes emerged as the leading teams. He positioned McLaren close behind, alongside Red Bull, in the competitive order. Stella highlighted the reliability and learnings from McLaren's testing program.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella provided insights into the Formula 1 pecking order following the second pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit. Speaking after the testing concluded, Stella noted that the sessions confirmed Ferrari and Mercedes as the "teams to beat."
"In terms of understanding the competitive order, I would say that this test has confirmed that Ferrari and Mercedes look like the teams to beat," Stella said. He added that McLaren is "not far" away and part of a top four group, with the team showing a slight disadvantage to the leaders.
Stella emphasized the value of race simulations for gauging true performance, pointing to similar paces between McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Red Bull's Max Verstappen during one session. However, he cautioned against overinterpreting results due to variables like track temperatures. Lando Norris delivered a strong race run on the final afternoon, but Stella noted it occurred when conditions were optimal, potentially inflating times.
Overall, Stella described McLaren's testing as positive, with the MCL40 proving reliable and allowing the team to complete planned items on functionality, reliability, and race setup. The squad gathered extensive data on aerodynamics, tires, and power unit optimization, adding performance incrementally each day.
As the season approaches, with the Australian Grand Prix scheduled for March 6-8, Stella placed McLaren and Red Bull as closely matched, a step behind Ferrari and Mercedes. McLaren enters as reigning constructors' champions, aiming to challenge the frontrunners early.