Norris Dismisses Early Comparisons After McLaren's Barcelona Shakedown

Lando Norris has downplayed the significance of early performance comparisons after McLaren completed its three-day 2026 car shakedown in Barcelona, finishing behind rivals Mercedes and Ferrari in both lap count and headline lap times. The reigning World Champion emphasized the team's focus was on reliability and understanding the new MCL40, not chasing headline-grabbing numbers during this initial running phase.

Why it matters:

Pre-season testing numbers, especially from a limited shakedown, are a notoriously unreliable indicator of true competitive order. However, they provide the first tangible data points and set initial narratives. Norris's refusal to be drawn into comparisons reflects a mature, process-focused approach for a defending champion team, prioritizing long-term development over short-term optics. It also subtly manages expectations after rivals posted more eye-catching mileage and times.

The details:

• The Numbers: Mercedes set the benchmark with 500 laps over three days, followed by Ferrari (442 laps). McLaren completed 291 laps. On the unofficial timesheets, Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) was fastest with a 1:16.348, just ahead of George Russell (Mercedes). Norris was third, 0.246 seconds off Hamilton's pace.
• McLaren's Strategy: The team deliberately chose to run on the final three days of the five-day window, stating the goal was to give themselves "as much time as possible for development" before hitting the track.
• Norris's Focus: The Briton stated the shakedown's primary goals were reliability checks—ensuring the power unit, gearbox, and all sensors functioned correctly—and building a foundational understanding of the car's behavior on low and high fuel loads.
• Driver Adaptation: Norris admitted the new car presents "one of the biggest changes I’ve had to get used to," noting there are "some little bits" he needs to adjust for comfort and handling, a normal process with radically new regulations.

What's next:

The real and vastly more informative test begins later this month with the first official pre-season test at the Sakhir International Circuit in Bahrain from February 11-13, followed by a second three-day session from February 18-20. Teams will run their 2026 cars in representative conditions, providing the first clearer picture of the competitive landscape. McLaren's learnings from Barcelona will be analyzed and fed into its preparation for these critical sessions, where performance running becomes a genuine priority alongside reliability.