Lando Norris Leads Bahrain F1 2026 Test

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Lando Norris set the fastest time in the afternoon session on Day 1 of the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit.

The McLaren driver posted a 1m 34.669s lap to move to the top of the timesheets, improving on the benchmark set earlier in the day by Max Verstappen. The Red Bull Racing driver, who completed the entire day’s running in the RB22, also improved his time in the afternoon to finish second overall.

Most other teams split driving duties between their two race drivers, maximising data collection during the opening day of the first of two three-day tests in Bahrain.

The session was briefly interrupted by a red flag after Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg stopped on track. However, Hulkenberg was able to return to the pits and resume running without significant technical setbacks.

With Norris setting the afternoon pace and Verstappen demonstrating consistency across a full day of running, the opening test session offered early indications of competitiveness under the new 2026 regulations, though fuel loads and programme variations remain a key factor in interpreting lap times.