FORMULA 1 PRE-SEASON TESTING: Ranking Every Team from Best to Worst….

FORMULA 1 PRE-SEASON TESTING: RANKING EVERY TEAM FROM BEST TO WORST

The highly anticipated Formula 1 pre-season testing session in Bahrain has concluded, providing a fascinating insight into the relative strengths and weaknesses of each team. With thousands of laps completed and a plethora of data gathered, RacingNews365 has compiled a comprehensive ranking of every F1 team from best to worst.

1. McLaren

McLaren has emerged as the team to beat, with its MCL39 car demonstrating impressive pace and consistency throughout the testing session. Lando Norris’s race simulation was particularly eye-catching, leaving Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the dust. While it’s essential to acknowledge the usual testing caveats, McLaren’s performance has undoubtedly sent a statement of intent to its rivals.

2. Ferrari

Ferrari completed one more lap than McLaren across the three days, but appears to be slightly off the pace of its British rival. Despite this, the Scuderia remains a formidable force, with Leclerc’s race pace simulation showing promise. However, the team’s decision not to run on softer tyres and a reliability gremlin that curtailed Lewis Hamilton’s running on Friday afternoon have raised questions about its overall performance.

3. Mercedes

Mercedes has enjoyed its best pre-season test since 2020, completing the most laps of any team and demonstrating a decent turn of speed. While it’s uncertain whether the cold conditions in Bahrain aided the team’s performance, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will be buoyed by the W15’s showing.

4. Red Bull

Red Bull’s testing session has been marred by mechanical gremlins and a lack of pace, with the RB21 failing to impress. Max Verstappen’s struggles to find the ideal balance have raised concerns about the team’s prospects, and technical chief Pierre Wache’s comments about rival teams’ flexi-wings have only added to the sense of unease.

5. Williams

Williams has made the biggest step forward over the winter, with its FW47 car demonstrating impressive speed and consistency. Carlos Sainz’s fastest single lap of the test, a 1:29.348, eclipsed Hamilton’s effort by 0.013 seconds. While the team still trails the established top four, it has emerged as a genuine midfield contender.

The remainder of the ranking sees Alpine and Aston Martin occupying sixth and seventh places, respectively, with Haas, Racing Bulls, and Stake rounding out the bottom three. As the teams head to Melbourne for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the stage is set for a thrilling and unpredictable championship.