McLaren slip to fourth in F1 rankings as Mercedes set pace in Bahrain
Reigning constructors’ champions McLaren have been ranked as the fourth-fastest team following pre-season testing in Bahrain, with Mercedes and Ferrari establishing themselves as the early pacesetters for 2026.
The new Formula 1 campaign is just weeks away from its curtain-raiser at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit.
All 11 teams have completed extensive running in the Middle East to understand the pecking order under the regulations.
While testing times can be deceptive, the data suggests a significant shift at the front of the grid.
Champions face early deficit
Despite a dominant 2025 campaign, the Woking-based outfit appears to be starting the new season on the back foot.
Sky Sports analysts Ted Kravitz and Craig Slater have placed the title holders fourth in their performance rankings.
Team Principal Andrea Stella has been candid about the car’s current performance levels relative to their immediate rivals.
“McLaren, by Andrea Stella’s own admission, are the fourth-quickest team. With the caveat he’s not quite sure about Verstappen, but he is sure that Ferrari and Mercedes are ahead of McLaren.”
Ted Kravitz, Sky Sports F1
Defending drivers’ world champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri recorded the fifth and sixth-fastest times respectively.
Both drivers have indicated they need the final tests to unlock more performance from the car.
Mercedes and Ferrari lead the way
At the sharp end of the grid, the Silver Arrows look revitalised with their new driver line-up.
Young Italian sensation Kimi Antonelli and George Russell topped the time sheets across the first three days in Bahrain.
They were closely followed by the formidable Ferrari pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
The Scuderia appear to be the primary challengers to Mercedes, leaving a gap back to the rest of the top four.
Red Bull and the chasing pack
Red Bull sit third in the projected rankings, relying heavily on the individual brilliance of Max Verstappen.
The Dutchman recorded the seventh-fastest time, though fuel loads and engine modes often mask true pace at this stage.
Further back, Racing Bulls occupy the fifth spot as the best of the midfield runners.
However, analysts note a significant performance chasm exists between the top four teams and the rest of the field.
Newey factor yet to fire for Aston Martin
Expectations were high for Aston Martin following the high-profile arrival of Adrian Newey as Team Principal.
Yet the Silverstone-based team finds itself languishing in 10th place in the expert rankings.
“Adrian Newey’s first car doesn’t mean it’s going to be a winning car. By the team’s own admission, the first half of the campaign is going to be challenging.”
Ted Kravitz, Sky Sports F1
Only the newcomer entry, Cadillac, sits below them in the pecking order.
The American outfit is expected to prop up the table in their debut season despite the experience of Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas.
Midfield surprises and struggles
Haas have proven to be the surprise package of the winter, ranked sixth ahead of factory teams.
The American-owned squad has reportedly advanced further than rivals anticipated with Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman.
Conversely, Alpine and Williams are facing difficult starts to 2026.
Williams, who finished fifth last year, have slipped to eighth, while Alpine sit seventh as they look to recover from a disastrous 2025.