McLaren's MCL40 passes initial shakedown with 'no nasties' as focus shifts to Bahrain

McLaren's new MCL40 has completed its first track runs in Barcelona without any major issues, a crucial first step as the team focuses on reliability before chasing performance in Bahrain. Chief Designer Rob Marshall outlined a methodical testing plan, emphasizing the team's priority is to ensure the all-new car operates correctly across its entire performance envelope before fine-tuning it for speed.

Why it matters:

A clean initial shakedown is critical for any new car, but it's paramount for the radically different 2026 machinery. Finding no significant faults ('nasties') early on allows McLaren to maximize valuable track time for learning and development rather than troubleshooting, setting a positive foundation for the intense pre-season test in Bahrain where performance benchmarking truly begins.

The details:

• The MCL40 completed 77 laps on its first day with Lando Norris at the wheel, followed by running with Oscar Piastri, as part of a closed-doors shakedown in Barcelona.
• Chief Designer Rob Marshall stated the team is "quite happy" with the initial running, reporting only minor "gremlins" to be ironed out, which is typical for a new car's first outing.
• The Barcelona test is being treated purely as a systems check. The team is exploring the car's full operational envelope—ensuring it runs reliably in all conditions—rather than chasing lap times.
• Marshall noted the cold Barcelona conditions make representative performance running difficult, which is why the performance "dial-in" is reserved for the official test in Bahrain.

What's next:

The immediate focus remains on the final days of the Barcelona shakedown, continuing the reliability-focused program. All attention then shifts to the official pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit in February.

• Bahrain Performance Push: The team will begin the detailed work of optimizing the car's setup and balance for performance on a track with more representative temperatures.
• Driver Adaptation: A significant phase of the journey now begins for drivers Norris and Piastri, who must adapt their driving styles to the completely new characteristics of the 2026 cars, moving beyond simulator work to real-world data.