Norris Leads Bahrain Test Day 1, Verstappen Close Behind
Lando Norris led the first day of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, with Max Verstappen a close second. While McLaren showed strong one-lap pace, Red Bull's focus on reliability was clear as Verstappen completed a field-high 136 laps. Aston Martin's day was cut short by a power unit issue.
Defending champion Lando Norris set the fastest time on the opening day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, edging out Max Verstappen by just over a tenth of a second. Charles Leclerc rounded out the top three, while the day was marked by high mileage for Red Bull and reliability concerns for Aston Martin.
Why it matters:
The first day of testing offers the initial, albeit incomplete, glimpse into the competitive order. Norris's pace confirms McLaren's strong winter development, but Verstappen's massive lap count for Red Bull suggests a focus on reliability and data gathering over outright speed. The significant gap from the top teams to the midfield also begins to take shape.
The details:
- Top of the Timesheets: Norris's best lap of 1:34.669 was set in the afternoon session, just 0.129 seconds clear of Verstappen's Red Bull (1:34.798). Leclerc's Ferrari was third, half a second off the pace.
- The Lap Count Champion: While Norris was fastest, Verstappen completed a staggering 136 laps—the most of any driver—demonstrating impressive reliability for the Red Bull package early on.
- McLaren's Strong Start: Oscar Piastri added a P5 finish in the morning, giving McLaren a solid combined showing. Haas's Esteban Ocon split the McLarens in P4 with 115 laps.
- Aston Martin's Troubles: The AMR26 managed only 36 laps total. Running was halted in the afternoon after a "data anomaly" with the Honda power unit on Lance Stroll's car.
- Williams's Recovery: After skipping a private shakedown, Williams logged a healthy 145 laps between Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, focusing on mileage with Sainz 13th and Albon 10th.
What's next:
Testing continues for two more days in Bahrain, where teams will shift focus to performance runs, race simulations, and understanding the new tires. The lap times will become more representative, but the true pecking order will only be revealed at the season-opening Grand Prix at the same circuit next week.