Lando Norris looked ‘mentally spent’ after testing McLaren’s 2026 F1 car in Bahrain

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Learning the new Formula 1 regulations left drivers ‘mentally spent’ after the first Bahrain Formula 1 Test.

There was a lot for the drivers to do at the first Formula 1 Test at Bahrain, as the new regulations have changed how the cars have to be driven.

Although there have been differing opinions on the 2026 Formula One cars, with Max Verstappen stating publicly that he dislikes driving them as it feels like ‘Formula E on steroids’.

Whereas the current reigning Champion, Lando Norris, enjoyed the experience of driving his new MCL40 at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Other drivers, such as Liam Lawson, have also spoken about how it has been difficult to adapt to the new era of Formula 1 cars with the new regulations.

Kimi Antonelli made a serious statement on Day 3 at the first 2026 Bahrain test – Who looks strongest heading into Round 1?

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New Formula 1 rules are mentally draining for drivers to learn

During Nailing the Apex, ViaPlay’s Nelson Valkenburg discussed his interaction with Norris after the second day of the Bahrain Formula 1 Test.

Valkenberg stated that Norris looked ‘mentally spent’ after a full day in his McLaren, but that he revealed that he was enjoying the process of learning the new cars as it was like being back at school.

By the end of the three days of testing, Norris found himself sixth on the timesheets after completing 207 laps of the Bahrain International Circuit.

Nelson Vaulkenburg said, “Look at the interview of Lando Norris after his full day on Thursday, he looked mentally spent, he was so tired. But he also told me that he enjoyed the process.

“Because he felt like he was back at school, and if you embrace it you will do fine this year, if you fight it, that is a different matter.”

McLaren fall to fourth in the teams ranking after the first Bahrain Test

One of the major stories from the first Bahrain Formula 1 Test was where McLaren found themselves compared to the other constructors.

After winning the 2025 title with Lando Norris, hopes were high for McLaren in 2026, but it appears that they have made a slower start to 2026 than expected.

Ted Kravitz revealed after the first Bahrain Test that he believes McLaren find themselves as the fourth-best team on the grid, leaving Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull in the top three spots after the three-day test.

With three more days of track action at the Bahrain International Circuit this week, McLaren will be hoping to jump up the order ahead of the season opener.