P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell highlighted how Lando Norris had warned that McLaren had “found a lot over the winter” before his ominous-looking run in F1 pre-season testing.
Before the sole test in Bahrain, McLaren was seen as the team to beat for the upcoming season due to their status as the reigning Constructors’ Champions. The MCL38 was considered the benchmark package in 2024, but McLaren has made significant changes to the new MCL39 as they aim for a title double this year. The innovative approach of the Woking-based team seems to have paid off, with the paddock consensus being that they still have the upper hand with the MCL39. Lando Norris impressed during a race simulation, clocking times over five-tenths quicker on average than his Ferrari and Mercedes rivals. While McLaren boss Andrea Stella acknowledged the team’s encouraging long-run pace in Bahrain, he cautioned that the unique conditions may not fully represent race conditions in the early part of the season. Despite the uncertainties, McLaren remains confident in their improved car and aims to have a close fight with their competitors in the upcoming races.
