Norris Sets F1 Testing Pace
Lando Norris set a new benchmark time as Ferrari debuted a novel rear wing design in recent Formula 1 pre-season testing. The pace and Ferrari's innovation are stoking excitement for the season opener while midfield teams admit they're further adrift from top contenders. Red Bull previously unveiled an aggressive upgrade package focusing on aerodynamics and downforce for Max Verstappen's car.
- Lando Norris's benchmark time was a 1:33.453, set on the C4 tyre compound during the morning session of testing in Bahrain. This was just over a tenth of a second faster than Red Bull's Max Verstappen. - Ferrari's novel rear wing rotates and flips upside down on the straights, a design innovation intended to significantly reduce drag. The team has reportedly found a loophole in the regulations which doesn't specify the orientation of the wing when active aerodynamics are engaged. - The Red Bull upgrade package includes a new front wing, revised sidepods with a more extreme undercut, and additional aerodynamic winglets on the engine air-intake and rear crash structure. - There is a growing concern about a significant performance gap between the top four teams (McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari) and the rest of the field. Williams driver Carlos Sainz noted the gap seems to have increased, and Haas's Esteban Ocon suggested the midfield is "seconds away". - Lewis Hamilton's practice starts in the new Ferrari have been notably strong, adding to speculation that Ferrari may have an advantage off the line due to a smaller turbo. - Newcomers for the 2026 season, Cadillac, have struggled in testing, with Valtteri Bottas's time being 6.7 seconds slower than Norris's benchmark and the team losing significant time in the garage. - The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to begin with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on the weekend of March 6-8.
