NORRIS TOPS FIRST DAY OF F1 PRE-SEASON TESTING IN BAHRAIN
Reigning world champion Lando Norris topped the timesheets on the first day of Formula One pre-season testing in Bahrain on Wednesday.
The McLaren driver took part in the afternoon session and clocked 1 minute 34.669 seconds, 0.129 seconds faster than the Red Bull of Max Verstappen.
Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari completed the top three, while team-mate and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton was seventh.
Drivers are still getting used to brand new cars as massive regulation changes, including overhauled aerodynamics and revised power units, came into force for the 2026 season.
Audi, who are making their F1 debut as a constructor this year, were ninth and 15th with Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto respectively.
Cadillac, the other debutants and who joined the field as the 11th team, had Sergio Perez in 14th and Valtteri Bottas in 16th.
Drivers and teams will regroup again on Thursday for the second day of testing. The season starts at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.