There are few tracks that Formula 1 teams and drivers know better than the Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya, given it has long been a popular venue for testing thanks to its good mix of corners – and it’s for that reason the venue tends to give a good indication of the pecking order. McLaren’s Lando Norris was quickest on Friday, fractionally quicker than Mercedes’ George Russell – but are McLaren really back in the fight?
After the run McLaren have had, we weren’t expecting them to be on top. Is that pace real?
I’m not sure they were either! It’s too early to say if they’re the ones to beat but based on the data and what the team and their rivals are thinking, McLaren certainly look like they are fighting at the sharp end again.
.webp?ssl=1 "All the stories that got the Silverstone paddock talking ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 British Grand Prix")
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