In Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris has the perfect wingman to help him to the F1 Drivers’ Championship, says Johnny Herbert.

After a low-key opening day in Bahrain, the second day of testing gave us a glimpse of the state of play at the top of F1. Norris, Leclerc and Antonelli all completed race simulations, with the three drivers opting for a two-stop strategy.

Lando Norris was beaten to the F1 title by Max Verstappen last season but has been tipped to go one better in 2023 by two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen.

Lando Norris’ race simulations on Thursday have the rest of the paddock pointing to McLaren at the front of the field

Martin Brundle has been among the F1 observers to encourage Norris not to be so self-critical of his performances. Last year, the driver helped McLaren to the constructors’ championship, won his first grands prix and ran Max Verstappen close in the drivers’ standings. It finally gave Norris belief that he could eventually dream of more.

Lando Norris demanded an apology from F1 rival and friend Max Verstappen last season before performing a U-turn.

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

Old friends Max Verstappen and Lando Norris made light of a question of how their relationship might suffer if they fight for the title again in 2025.

Lando Norris was fastest and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton 13th as Formula 1 teams had to deal with a power outage that disrupted preseason testing.

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.

Five things from Day 2 at F1 preseason testing in Bahrain.