F1 2026: Ferrari And Mercedes Lead McLaren After Pre-Season Testing

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McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes rivals Mercedes and Ferrari currently appear slightly stronger than the reigning constructors’ champions after the final pre-season test, adding that, although the gap is not large, early signs suggest those two teams hold a small edge heading towards the opening race in Melbourne on March 8.

Stella explained that McLaren’s performance relative to Red Bull looks closely matched, while Ferrari and Mercedes seem just ahead at this stage. When asked to define the competitive order following testing, Stella replied: "It's very difficult to say." The uncertainty reflects how many variables still hide the true pace.

The final 2026 Formula One pre-season session took place in Bahrain last week, concluding six days of running. Charles Leclerc ended the programme quickest, more than eight tenths of a second faster than Lando Norris on the final day, and also delivered a strong long-run performance during a race simulation in hot daytime conditions.

Stella highlighted that race simulations often give a clearer idea of real performance, but stressed that track conditions can distort impressions. There was a key comparison run on Thursday, when Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen completed similar simulations at roughly the same time of day, and their overall pace appeared very close across the stint.

Stella warned that lap times depend heavily on track evolution and session timing. Norris produced a strong race simulation on the last day, yet that period likely offered the quickest conditions seen across the entire Bahrain test. Stella therefore urged caution when judging gaps, even though Ferrari and Mercedes currently seem a step ahead.

The 2026 season follows major regulation changes between 2025 and 2026, covering engines, chassis, tyres and fuel. These revisions have led many observers to tip Mercedes, alongside Ferrari, as likely early beneficiaries. Stella maintains that McLaren are not far behind, and sees McLaren and Red Bull as broadly similar in pace after testing.

Leclerc’s headline time over Norris underlined Ferrari’s one-lap speed during Bahrain testing, while Mercedes attracted attention through consistent long runs. With teams now switching focus to the Australian Grand Prix, Stella’s careful reading of the data suggests a tight field, with Ferrari and Mercedes slightly ahead, and McLaren closely matched with Red Bull.