High performance powertrains

AMG Petronas Formula One Team: McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has suggested that Ferrari and Mercedes currently hold a slight edge heading into the 2026 Formula 1 season, following the conclusion of last week’s final pre-season test.

The assessment comes after a strong showing from Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc finishing more than eight tenths of a second clear of Lando Norris on the final day of running. Leclerc also completed a competitive race simulation during the hotter part of the day, underlining Ferrari’s apparent pace.

While McLaren completed its planned programme ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8, Stella admitted it remains difficult to draw firm conclusions about the competitive order.