That is because a race run from former F1 title rival Max Verstappen also made him sit up and take notice, Hamilton expecting McLaren and Red Bull to pose a serious threat in F1 2

With F1’s current regulations now in their fourth year, the performance gaps that gave front-runners comfortable advantages are shrinking fast. Teams that were once struggling to keep pace have had enough time with these cars to catch up on the learning curve. (See: Ferrari and McLaren’s surge last year .)

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.

The start of preseason testing in Bahrain on Wednesday was a major landmark in the lead-up to the new Formula One season, giving all 10 teams a first opportunity to complete extended running with their new cars. With the season opener in Australia just weeks away, every lap at Bahrain International Circuit across all three days is precious.

Guenther Steiner can see Charles Leclerc having the beating of Lewis Hamilton in their first season as Ferrari team-mates. That is, Steiner warns, as long as Leclerc is able to learn, from having Hamilton in the same team,

A gesture delivered by George Russell to his former Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton has been unearthed from a clip during Formula 1’s pre-season testing in Bahrain last week. The 27-year-old Brit will undertake a new role at Mercedes in 2025 and will become the Silver Arrows team leader following the departure of his seven-time world champion team-mate.