In the Bahrain F1 test, doubts about Ferrari’s race pace compared to McLaren’s emerge from the UK. The second day of testing marked significant progress from the top teams, with Maranello, Woking, and Brackley sharing the spotlight at the end of the session. While Lewis Hamilton made clear strides in understanding the SF-25, Lando Norris’s pace has already impressed.
The mantra of the week remains unchanged: “These are just tests.” The three-day session in Bahrain cannot provide definitive answers about the competitive hierarchy, not even by the time the checkered flag falls on Friday. F1 history is full of teams that shine in winter testing only to collapse at the season opener—or vice versa. In short, Melbourne will be the real test.
Still, some signals cannot be ignored. Hamilton’s progress, for instance, is evident, as he appeared far more comfortable in the Ferrari today. Equally notable is Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s natural talent, as he is already matching his teammate’s times. But the real intrigue—and possibly concern—lies in the analysis of race pace.
McLaren or Ferrari: Who Is the F1 Title Favorite?
Comparing the race simulations of Norris and Charles Leclerc, the Briton appears to have a slight but crucial advantage. This detail was highlighted by the British media: “Norris did a first stint of 20 laps, a second stint of 18 laps, and a third stint of 20 laps—essentially completing an entire race distance,” explained Karun Chandhok on Sky Sports F1. “For much of the final stint, he was lapping under 1:32.”
“Leclerc did his first two stints similarly, but he’s in the 1:33s and now 1:34s, whereas Norris is in the 1:32s over a comparable stint length. Kimi Antonelli reached the 1:33s in his final stint. But Norris is the standout—he was exceptionally fast in his last stint. The McLaren looks easy to drive, predictable, and has all the qualities you’d want in a race car, so they’ll be pleased.” – he pointed out.
“I don’t think Ferrari or Mercedes will be too disappointed, but at the same time, they’ll be concerned about McLaren’s pace.”
Questions Heading into the Final Day of Testing in Bahrain
Echoing Karun Chandhok’s analysis, Ted Kravitz, the well-respected Sky Sports F1 reporter, weighed in: “Lando Norris had quite a session. It looked like a very strong race simulation for him. As we said, there are some question marks over Charles Leclerc and Ferrari, but it should be noted that Hamilton seems comfortable with the SF-25.”
Nothing definitive has been established about the championship yet, but the balance may be shifting towards Woking. However, things could still change on Friday. After all, just a day ago, the paddock buzz suggested that Ferrari was the team to beat heading into the new season.
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