Lando Norris’ Giant Leap in Pre-Season Testing Reaffirms McLaren’s Favorite Status for 2025 Season

Reigning World Champions McLaren laid down a marker on day one of testing by lighting up the timing board. Lando Norris was the fastest, 0.157 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, George Russell.

But does this mean that McLaren will once again emerge victorious in 2025?

After all, most paddock insiders have already labeled them as the favorites to finish P1 in the Constructors’. Now, if early pre-season testing results are taken into consideration, it certainly appears to be the right call.

History suggests that pre-season testing times should not be taken too seriously, but in the first official session ahead of the 2025 season, no other team looked as comfortable as the Woking-based squad.

In the breakdown of the pre-season testing, The Race pointed out how no McLaren driver had registered any lap-time during the first two hours of the session. However, that was their plan all along, because when Oscar Piastri took to the track in the morning, they were busier than everyone else.

Then, it was Norris‘ turn.

The Day 1 results are in! ⏱️

Lando Norris sets the fastest time in Sakhir in the PM session #F1Testing #F1 pic.twitter.com/uwQxpk0NyT

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 26, 2025

He picked up where Piastri left off and was arguably faster than anyone else on the track. Of course, there’s a chance that others around the Briton were running heavier fuel loads or using less engine power.

Regardless, the fact that the favorites called it a day with everyone behind them was a promising sign for them.

How did McLaren’s rivals look during pre-season testing?

Defending champ Max Verstappen and his new teammate Liam Lawson did not look to comfortable with the RB21, as reported by, once again, The Race. Lawson in particular, was struggling to find grip, which resulted in the only spin of the day.

Even though Verstappen managed a lap-time that was just over two-tenths shy of Norris’, it is important to note that the Red Bull driver put in his best lap later in the day when the conditions were at its best with the track rubbered in.

Ferrari meanwhile, were carrying a heavier fuel load. So, it’s not fair to compare their times to those of McLaren. One thing was clear, however: Lewis Hamilton was struggling.

“It’s not looking easy for Hamilton to get the front in here,” journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm said.

Lewis SF-25

Ride onboard with the seven-time world champ in his first session as a @ScuderiaFerrari driver #F1Testing #F1 pic.twitter.com/EK8piNq6US

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 26, 2025

Mercedes looked to be the happiest team on Wednesday, with George Russell stating that the W16 was the best car he had ever driven around Bahrain.

Kimi Antonelli too, was happy with the balance of the car, suggesting that Mercedes had finally overcome the gremlins of their troubles in the ground effect era. If the Silver Arrows continue in the same way, they could emerge as McLaren’s closest competitors in 2025.