McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has delivered a candid assessment of the Formula 1 pecking order ahead of the 2026 campaign, asserting that rivals Ferrari and Mercedes are currently "a step ahead" of the competition. This comes despite McLaren's dominant run, having secured the last two constructors' world championships and the 2025 drivers' title with Lando Norris.
Pre-Season Testing Insights from Bahrain
Pre-season testing concluded last Friday at the Bahrain International Circuit, providing the first real glimpse of team performance under the new regulations. Ferrari notably impressed observers with their rapid race starts and a unique rear-wing design that generated significant discussion in the paddock. Mercedes, whose power units McLaren will utilise once again this season, have long been tipped as early frontrunners, and testing appeared to validate those predictions.
Both George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli demonstrated strong and consistent pace throughout the six days of running. While McLaren certainly looks competitive, Stella was quick to temper expectations, insisting his team are not the favourites heading into the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 8th.
Stella's Cautious Analysis of Race Simulations
When questioned about the competitive hierarchy, Stella pointed to specific race simulation data as a key indicator. "There is a race simulation that I think was on Thursday between Oscar [Piastri] and [Max] Verstappen," Stella explained. "It happened at a similar time of the day, and it was a similar pace."
He emphasised the importance of these long runs, stating, "Often, the race simulation is actually where you can more accurately see what the genuine performance of cars is. The reason why I think we have to be careful is that depending on the time of the day, then the race simulation may be quite a lot faster."
Stella illustrated this with an example from the final day of testing. "Like now, Lando was performing pretty strongly in a race simulation, but at the same time, probably the end of day three was the fastest time the track has been across the six days. So, it's difficult to say. I think McLaren and Red Bull are probably very similar. Ferrari and Mercedes are a step ahead."
The Circuit Variable: From Bahrain to Melbourne
The Italian team principal also highlighted a significant variable that could shuffle the order: circuit characteristics. The street circuit at Albert Park in Melbourne presents a host of different challenges compared to the Bahrain track used for testing.
Stella elaborated on the specific power unit demands teams will face. "I think in 2026 we will have to look at the characteristics of the circuits, including this feature related to how easy it is as a circuit for the power unit requirement," he said.
"So Barcelona [a testing venue] was actually relatively demanding in terms of balance between deployment and harvesting. In Bahrain, it was relatively easier because you spend enough time braking that basically you do all the harvesting during braking. You don't need to do anything special in terms of lifting off, for instance."
He anticipates a tougher challenge in Australia. "Now we go to Australia. In Australia, we go back to one circuit in which it will be a bit more difficult. I think we will see the drivers will be busier in terms of their driving style to make sure that the power unit is exploited in terms of harvesting energy and deployment of energy in a way that is efficient. And when we say efficient, it means efficient for a long time."
Norris Carries the Champion's Number
Defending world champion Lando Norris will line up in Melbourne with the prestigious number 1 on his McLaren, a testament to his inaugural title triumph in 2025. He famously won last year's season-opener at the same Albert Park circuit, a feat he will be desperate to repeat to silence Stella's cautious predictions and prove McLaren's immediate competitiveness.
As the teams pack up from Bahrain and head south, the stage is set for a fascinating opening chapter to the 2026 Formula 1 world championship, with Stella's comments ensuring all eyes will be on the scarlet red of Ferrari and the silver arrows of Mercedes when the lights go out in Melbourne.
