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McLaren explain Barcelona F1 pre-season test delay
McLaren has confirmed it will finally run over the final three days
of this week's pre-season test in Barcelona. Team principal Andrea
Stella declared last week that the team would conduct a filming
day, when 200 kilometres are allowed, on the opening day of the
private, five-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya. Although the
majority of the teams conducted meaningful running on Monday, with
the likes of Mercedes and Haas clocking 154 laps apiece, McLaren
did not emerge on track. On Tuesday, the inclement weather, with
rain hitting the circuit mid-morning and continuing into the
afternoon, meant McLaren continued to keep its MCL40, which is due
to run in an interim test livery, under wraps. Although rain is
again forecast on Wednesday, the team has stated it will get its
programme up and running, whilst also explaining why it has
intentionally delayed matters so far. "With track testing for the
2026 season underway and the permitted running time limited to
three days over a five-day period, the McLaren has approached this
week’s Barcelona shakedown utilising the full flexibility of the
programme," the team stated. "We plan to run on track for the
final three days of testing, while the opening days have provided
an important opportunity for the full car to be assembled and
checked." It is now yet known whether Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri
will be first behind the wheel.
