McLaren's underdog status is firmly a thing of the past. It must now build on an encouraging start when the lights go out in Melbourne.

McLaren boss Andrea Stella believes the team’s prowess during Formula 1 testing validates its progress after previous struggles in Bahrain.

The 2025 F1 season gets underway this week as Bahrain hosts the official three-day pre-season test for all 10 teams. It is the fifth year running that the Bahrain International Circuit hosts the pre-season test, as momentum builds towards the first race of the season, in Australia, on 16 March.

From McLaren’s performance, the midfield pecking order and Max Verstappen’s stance on booing, there was a lot to talk about on Wednesday.

After three days of testing in Bahrain, McLaren have started as they finished last season, while Lewis Hamilton is positive about the beginning of his Ferrari career.

Lewis Hamilton has shared his assessment of McLaren and Red Bull's performances during F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain. The Ferrari driver was impressed by McLaren's pace, particularly noting Lando Norris' strong showing.

Day 3 result as Hamilton trails Verstappen and Russell in final Bahrain session - Follow reaction after the end of the 2025 three-day pre-season test in Bahrain