P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Just how real is Lando Norris’s headline-grabbing long run pace at F1 testing?
Lando Norris’s impressive long run during the 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain showed McLaren’s progress with their new Formula 1 car, outpacing rivals like Ferrari’s Leclerc and Mercedes’ Antonelli. However, some uncertainties remain regarding the true impact of this performance due to different tire strategies used by McLaren compared to their competitors. McLaren’s unique approach of testing different tire compounds during the race sim raises questions about how much of Norris’s advantage was due to car performance and how much to tire selection. The unexpected cooler weather conditions during testing also add another layer of complexity, making it challenging to accurately assess McLaren’s performance compared to other teams. Team principal Andrea Stella emphasized the need for caution in interpreting Norris’s stellar performance, citing the atypical testing conditions in Bahrain as a factor to consider. Despite the impressive numbers, McLaren remains cautious about drawing definitive conclusions from the race simulation, highlighting the importance of considering multiple factors before evaluating their true competitive edge.
