P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren boss Andrea Stella has admitted that Mercedes has appeared to have “raised the bar” after its showing in the first F1 pre-season test last week.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella has acknowledged Mercedes as setting a high standard following their strong performance in the first F1 pre-season test.
The German team’s fast laps and high lap count with drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have raised expectations for their competitiveness.
Speculation surrounding Mercedes’ power unit legality and overall package dominance has grown, but final judgement will come after the Bahrain tests next week.
Stella also noted other strong non-Mercedes teams like Ferrari and Red Bull, emphasizing the need for McLaren to match their pace.
He stressed that the balance of power could shift throughout the 2026 season as teams develop their cars and adapt to the new regulations.
