P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Crash.net predicts the competitive order for the start of the 2026 F1 season after pre-season testing.
The excitement is building as Formula 1 gears up for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 8 March, with 11 teams and 22 drivers ready to compete after a series of intriguing pre-season tests.
Pre-season testing can be deceptive due to various factors, making it difficult to accurately gauge each team’s competitiveness. Despite this, speculation is rife about which team is leading the pack, adding to the anticipation of the upcoming season.
Mercedes, the pre-season favorites, have demonstrated their potential by topping the lap count in testing, despite facing reliability issues. Their true pace remains a mystery, leading many to believe they are yet to unleash their full performance.
Ferrari has also shown promise, with Charles Leclerc impressing during the second Bahrain test. Their reliability and race pace have turned heads, hinting at a potential resurgence for the Italian team in 2026.
McLaren, on the other hand, is aiming to build on last year’s success and establish itself as a strong contender in the upcoming season, adding to the competitive mix at the front of the grid.
