Formula 1: McLaren takes to the track for the first time as Mercedes excels in testing

McLaren is back in action in Barcelona with Lando Norris behind the wheel of the MCL40. The British team completes 62 laps on the third day of pre-season private testing. The pleasant weather attracts six teams to the circuit: Alpine, Audi, Haas, McLaren, Mercedes, and Racing Bulls. The Mercedes drivers, Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, post the fastest times, closely followed by Norris. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) finishes fourth, ahead of Oliver Bearman (Haas) and Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls). Antonelli and Russell shine with over 90 laps each, optimizing data collection for Mercedes. On Thursday, Aston Martin tests the first car designed by Adrian Newey. With the new regulations, the focus is on reliability this week. The real performance will unfold in Bahrain during the official testing from February 18 to 20.