The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia delivered an unexpected twist in qualifying, marking the first time this season that a Mercedes-powered car did not secure pole position. McLaren, one of the teams using Mercedes engines, felt this impact most notably, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri qualifying in sixth and seventh respectively.
When questioned about what held McLaren back during qualifying, Norris gave a straightforward answer: “No, we’re just slow.” He explained that the car’s performance is lacking on this particular track, with the tarmac at Sepang International Circuit behaving differently compared to other venues this year. This surface change seemed to cause more difficulties for Mercedes-powered cars, while Red Bull appeared stronger than usual. Norris acknowledged that the team is struggling more than anticipated due to the track surface but was pleased with his own lap time. However, he stressed that the car’s overall performance is still far from where it needs to be.
Despite showing promising race pace in Friday’s free practice sessions, Norris does not believe it will be enough to close the significant gap to Red Bull and Ferrari. He admitted, “It’s a big ask when you’re six tenths off. It’s hard to make that up anywhere.” Norris also pointed out ongoing struggles with speed on the straights, whether due to the car or the power unit, adding that this difficulty makes racing more challenging than it should be. Nonetheless, he remains hopeful, mentioning the race length and possible pit stop strategies could offer chances to gain positions.
Fan Take: This development is a crucial moment for racing enthusiasts as it shakes up the traditional power balance in Formula 1, signaling that Mercedes-powered teams may face tougher competition at varied circuits. It’s an exciting prospect that could lead to more unpredictability and closer battles on race day, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Source: www.crash.net
