sports
February 23, 2026
McLaren Director Admits: Ferrari and Mercedes Are a Step Ahead of Us!
McLaren team director Andrea Stela said that rivals Ferrari and Mercedes are a step ahead of his team after the preseason testing in Bahrain concluded ahead of the start of the Formula 1 championship.
TL;DR
- Ferrari and Mercedes are considered a step ahead of McLaren after preseason testing.
- McLaren's Andrea Stela believes his team is not far behind the leading rivals.
- Preseason testing in Bahrain showed Ferrari and Mercedes to be faster than McLaren.
- Stela compared race simulations, noting similarities between McLaren and Red Bull, but placing Ferrari and Mercedes ahead.
- The track in Bahrain has different characteristics than Albert Park in Australia, where the season begins.
- Driving styles and energy management will be key in Australia due to track differences.
- McLaren uses Mercedes engines and has a good working relationship, but can optimize engine usage.
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