Lando Norris set the fastest lap on the opening day of Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, giving McLaren an early boost ahead of the 2026 season. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, stayed close behind, hinting at a competitive battle between the top teams. Teams focused on evaluating their cars’ performance, reliability, and tire strategies. Norris’s pace highlights McLaren’s potential, while Verstappen’s consistent runs show that Red Bull remains a strong contender. Testing continues over the next few days as teams gather crucial data to prepare for the season opener, promising an intense and closely fought championship.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.